Speculation about Mitch Marner’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs remains a hot topic and is likely to persist until the NHL trade deadline on March 7. However, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the star forward has no plans to waive his no-trade clause before the season concludes, effectively preventing any potential trade from materializing.
During an appearance on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio (via NHL Rumors), Friedman emphasized that while teams may show interest, Marner ultimately controls his destiny due to the full no-move clause in his contract. “I don’t believe Marner has any intention of leaving midseason,” Friedman stated. “If it wasn’t happening last summer, I don’t see it happening now.”
Trade speculation surrounding Marner gained momentum following the Carolina Hurricanes’ blockbuster acquisition of Mikko Rantanen last Friday. NHL insider Frank Seravalli revealed that before settling on Rantanen, Carolina had explored several top-tier trade options, including Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. Interestingly, Seravalli suggested that the Hurricanes also “at least inquired” about Marner. “I believe Carolina checked in on Mitch Marner during their discussions regarding Rantanen,” he noted. “It’s unclear how far those talks progressed or whether Marner was even open to joining them.”
Unlike Rantanen, who only had a partial no-trade clause, Marner possesses full control over any potential move, meaning he would have to approve a trade before anything could happen. Even if Toronto were willing to entertain offers, the decision ultimately rests with Marner, and there is no indication he would be open to leaving.
The 27-year-old winger is in the final year of his six-year, $65.4 million contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. This season, he has been a key contributor for the Maple Leafs, tallying 68 points (15 goals and 53 assists) in 51 games. Toronto currently sits second in the Atlantic Division with a 30-19-2 record, just one point behind the Florida Panthers’ 63 points, with the Leafs holding a game in hand over the reigning champions.
