The Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes explored a potential trade before the Friday trade deadline that would have swapped star forwards Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen, as reported by TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston for The Athletic on Saturday.
Both Marner and Rantanen were set to become unrestricted free agents this summer and were expected to receive substantial contract extensions.
The Maple Leafs made it clear to Marner that they preferred to re-sign the six-foot winger to a long-term deal, but they also presented the possibility of a trade to Carolina after the Hurricanes expressed interest in him as part of a potential return for Rantanen.
Marner, who holds a full no-movement clause, expressed his wish to remain with the Maple Leafs for the rest of the 2024-25 season and indicated he would decide his future this summer. This led both teams to pivot to other options in their negotiations.
“I wasn’t focused on it. You know, I’m sure I had a feeling that something might happen, but I’m here to play hockey with this team, and that’s where my focus is,” Marner said after scoring two goals in Toronto’s 7-4 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.
Marner acknowledged his enjoyment of being with the Maple Leafs but declined to discuss his future with the team. “I’m not going to get into this contract stuff. I’ve been very grateful and loved my time being a Leaf. That’s all I’ll say,” he stated.
Johnston also reported that Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies and other future assets were discussed as part of the talks before the Hurricanes opted to trade Rantanen to the Dallas Stars.
In exchange for Rantanen, the Hurricanes received center Logan Stankoven, two first-round draft picks, and two third-round draft picks on Friday. Rantanen subsequently signed an eight-year, $96 million extension with the Stars.
Marner, 27, has been a key offensive player for the Maple Leafs this season, leading the team with 21 goals and 79 points in 62 games.
The Thornhill, Ont., native is ranked fifth all-time in scoring for the Maple Leafs, with 215 goals and 718 points in 638 games. He has helped the team reach the playoffs every year since joining the NHL in 2016-17, though the Maple Leafs have won only one playoff series during that period.
Marner is in the final year of a six-year, $65.41 million contract, which carries a cap hit of $10.9 million annually.
The Maple Leafs currently hold second place in the Atlantic Division with a 38-22-3 record, trailing the Florida Panthers by four points with 19 games left in the regular season.
