Each Monday he will use his extensive network of hockey contacts for his weekly notes column, "Zizing 'Em Up.” TORONTO --The free agent spotlight has intensified on Mitch Marner after Mikko Rantanen signed an eight-year contract with the Dallas Stars on Friday.

The Edmonton Oilers went after Mikko Rantanen before he was traded to the Dallas Stars. What could that mean for Mitch Marner?

Mitch Marner’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs could be in jeopardy if any high-profile free agent decides to join the franchise next summer. One of the most coveted players, if he gets there, will be current Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen.

Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner declined a trade that included Mikko Rantanen at the NHL trade deadline and gave his reaction.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently shared more details about a trade discussion involving Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen.

Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner could've gone to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday ahead of the NHL's trade deadline. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Hurricanes "initially asked" for Marner in return for the Rantanen, and although Toronto considered it, they'd rather try to sign Marner long-term.

Former Maple Leafs winger and current analyst Colby Armstrong has suggested that a reunion between Mitch Marner and Kyle Dubas is very possible. Marner's future with the Leafs is very much in question with him being asked to waive his no-movement clause as the Leafs tried to acquire Mikko Rantanen late last week.

Events of recent weeks have underlined that if the Leafs want to keep the pending UFA, they're going to have to bid against others to do it.

TSN: Mikko Rantanen went asked why not the Carolina Hurricanes. “I think at the time, obviously, I had to look at all the options because there was no deal when the trade happened.

Fear not, hockey fans, we have all the good, bad, weird and viral news and stats you may have missed on and off the ice from the past seven days. Let's dive in.