Toronto Maple Leafs superstar forward Mitch Marner is linked to their fierce rival in free agecny, an insider reported.

Here's why: Marner is finishing up the final year of a 6-year, $65.4 million contract with the Leafs. The right wing will be a free agent July 1, and he ranks as the best player who will be available once teams are allowed to start bidding on the league's most talented players.

NHL insider Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic identified Marner as the Bruins' "ideal target" in free agency, highlighting their need for an elite "No. 2 right wing." Shinzawa pointed out that Boston never replaced Jake DeBrusk after he left for Vancouver, and with other internal options failing to fill the void, Marner would be a logical fit.