Breaking News: Mitchell Marner Signs Five-Year, \$52.5M Deal with Florida Panthers
Sunrise, FL – July 12, 2025
In a blockbuster move that shakes the NHL landscape, the Florida Panthers have signed star winger Mitchell Marner to a five-year, \$52.5 million contract. The deal, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of \$10.5 million, marks the latest aggressive step by Florida to cement its status as a Stanley Cup powerhouse.
Marner, 28, leaves behind the Toronto Maple Leafs after nine seasons with his hometown team. Drafted fourth overall in 2015, Marner became a cornerstone of the Leafs’ offense, known for his elite vision, silky hands, and two-way play. Over 651 career games, he has posted 173 goals and 446 assists for 619 points.
“Mitchell brings an elite level of skill, leadership, and experience to our locker room,” Panthers General Manager Bill Zito said in a press conference Friday morning. “He’s a dynamic playmaker who we believe will elevate our top six and help push this group toward another deep playoff run.”
The Panthers, fresh off a Stanley Cup Final appearance for the second time in three seasons, are making a clear statement: they intend to win now. Marner is expected to slot in on the team’s top line alongside Aleksander Barkov and Carter Verhaeghe, forming a trio that instantly ranks among the league’s most potent.
“This is a fresh chapter for me,” Marner said after signing. “Leaving Toronto wasn’t easy — it’s a city and team I love — but I believe in what Florida’s building. The talent, the culture, the hunger to win… it all made this decision feel right.”
Sources close to the situation indicate that negotiations with the Maple Leafs stalled earlier this summer, with Toronto reportedly unwilling to offer Marner the term and stability he sought. With cap constraints and a shifting core, Leafs GM Brad Treliving ultimately chose to part ways.
For Florida, Marner fills a crucial need. With veterans like Sam Reinhart testing free agency and questions about scoring depth beyond Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, adding a high-end offensive driver was a top priority.
Panthers head coach Paul Maurice echoed the excitement: “When you add a player like Mitch, you’re not just getting points — you’re getting poise, intelligence, and someone who makes everyone around him better. This is a huge win for us.”
Marner’s arrival also bolsters Florida’s power play, which ranked 13th in the league last season. He’ll likely quarterback the top unit from the half-wall, where his deceptive passing and creativity can shine.
As the sun rises over Sunrise, the Panthers’ outlook has never looked brighter. With Marner in the fold, they’ve added more than just a star —they’ve added belief.