MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Craig Berube of the St. Louis Blues speaks at media availability after practice at Target Field on December 31, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)
**Title: “Mitch Marner Stands Firm: No Plans to Waive No-Movement Clause Despite Trade Rumors”**
In a move that has reverberated throughout the hockey world, Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward Mitch Marner has made it clear: he has no intention of waiving his coveted no-movement clause, despite swirling trade rumors and speculation about his future with the franchise.
Marner, the dynamic winger who has been a linchpin of the Maple Leafs’ offense since his debut in the 2016-17 NHL season, finds himself at the center of a swirling storm of speculation as the offseason heats up. With just one year remaining on his six-year, $65 million deal, Marner holds all the cards with his full no-movement protection, effectively giving him veto power over any potential trade.
The news, first reported by The Athletic’s NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, comes as a blow to those who had speculated that Marner might be open to exploring his options elsewhere. Despite the persistent rumors and conjecture, Marner and his camp, led by veteran agent Darren Ferris, have made it clear that their focus remains squarely on honoring the final year of his contract with the Maple Leafs.
“At this point, the Marner camp… has no intention as of now of producing such a list,” LeBrun wrote in his article. “As far as the Marner camp is concerned, the star winger has one more year on his contract with the Leafs and intends to honor it.”
For Marner, the decision to stand firm in the face of trade speculation speaks volumes about his commitment to the Maple Leafs organization and his desire to bring long-awaited postseason success to the storied franchise. Despite enduring another early playoff exit this past season, Marner remains steadfast in his belief that Toronto is where he belongs.
However, not everyone shares Marner’s optimism about his future in Toronto. Fellow NHL insider Frank Servalli believes that the chances of Marner returning to the Maple Leafs for the upcoming season are slim, citing the need for the team to either sign him to an extension or explore trade options.
“I think there’s a five percent chance or maybe even less that he’ll be a Leaf next season,” Servalli remarked on DFO Rundown. “It makes zero sense to even enter the season where you are either signing Mitch Marner to an extension or you trade him.”
The speculation surrounding Marner’s future has only intensified in recent weeks, with rumors linking him to potential trades with teams like the Nashville Predators. NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period floated the idea of a trade that would send Marner to Nashville in exchange for goaltender Juuse Saros, suggesting that such a move could benefit both parties.
Despite the rumors, for now, Marner remains a Maple Leaf, focused on the task at hand and determined to lead his team to glory in the upcoming season. With the offseason in full swing and trade speculation reaching a fever pitch, one thing is certain: Mitch Marner’s future remains one of the most intriguing storylines to watch as the NHL offseason unfolds.
