If your player is one of the top names in the sport and a potential future Hall of Famer, would you still trade him? Many would laugh at the thought itself. But not the Toronto Maple Leafs. Trade rumors about their standout player Mitch Marner had been making rounds since the beginning of this season as he entered his final contract year as a Leaf. However, the whispers are turning into bold speculations. Here is the story so far:

• Turns out, Toronto, earlier in the season, reached out to the Marner camp to extend his current $65.3 million/ six-year deal. But as it may appear, Mitch’s agent, Darren Ferris, who has a reputation to get his clients to test free agency when the chance arises, was not particularly excited about it. Was it because Mitch’s free agency market brings better chances of landing better lucrative deals than what the Leafs would have offered? Maybe. Maybe not.
• Then around the NHL Trade Deadline this Friday, reports from TSN and Sportsnet suggested that the team reached out to Ferris and Marner to waive his no-trade clause which also didn’t happen. If that was to happen, Toronto eyed another potential future Hall of Famer Mikko Rantanen for a trade, whose contract was also ending this season. However, Mikko’s plans changed quickly. Colorado first sent him to Carolina which again traded him to Dallas on March 7th. And the Leafs? Heartbroken to say the least!
• At this point, Marner continues to play for Toronto. But he has neither extended his contract, nor waived his no-movement clause.
• The Leafs tried to get him onboard once again. But, but! How do you ask one of the best players in the league currently to first waive a no-movement and when that plan fails, you ask him to re-sign? I smell trouble!

Till now, Marner is not responding to any questions related to the trade rumors as he last said, “I’m not going to get into this contract stuff. I’ve been very grateful, & I’ve loved my time being a Leaf. That’s (how) I’ll leave it with you guys.” But all signs direct us to him going into the free agency that begins July 1. While Mitch would rather keep his trade secrets (pun intended) locked away, his teammate has expressed what he feels about all the noises.

After a practice session on Sunday, Auston Matthews, the Leafs’ captain, was asked how Marner was handling all the trade rumors recently. His reply? “He’s handled things great. There’s certain things that are out of your control, and that’s one of them. It is what it is. I don’t know really what else to say about it,” Matthews told the media.

Seemingly, everyone on the Leafs team do seem to be focused on the present instead of wondering how they will look entering the next season. And Matthews only carved this mindset further as he added, “Everybody’s focused on today. When tomorrow comes, we’ll focus on tomorrow and just continue to progress as a team. We’ve got our group now. There’s no real changes that can be made, no big trades or anything that can go on now. It’s about continuing to takes steps with our group here and pushing in the right direction.”

For the Leafs’ captain, it’s about watching the team grow and shoot for the Stanley Cup with a balanced lineup. If we look at the Leafs’ deadline acquisitions of Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo, Matthews is quite impressed with it. After all, Laughton has 27 points in 60 games this season, while Carlo brings physicality to the back line with 199 blocks to his name. While Matthews points at no more blockbuster trades and no last-minute shake-ups, there is still no clarity on where Marner stands. But as far as the head coach Craig Berube is concerned, he wants Mitch right where he is!

Talking to the media in Denver about the team taking the waiving request to Marner for his no-movement clause, Berube mentioned, “I have no idea about that stuff. That is all ‘Tree.’ Mitch is playing. He is here playing for the Leafs. I am glad he is here playing for the Leafs.”

Now if you’re wondering just why Toronto wants to trade away Marner, there are a few understandings. First, they wanted him to be traded for Rantanen, another big-time potential free agent this year. He could have certainly helped the team reach its another Stanley Cup that Marner, despite his skills, has not been able to provide. Another, just like the Rantanen trade, the Maple Leafs too stood a chance of bringing in more talents from the trade, free agency, and the draft stock. But, it is indeed a crazy idea.

Look, with Rantanen out, teams looking for a top 10 wing are left with just Mitch. And see, he may have received a lot of criticism throughout his tenure with the Leafs so far, he has showed up and showed out at every point. He is young, he is talented, and well, I’ll let the numbers speak for him.

He is sixth in the league with 718 points (215 goals and 503 assists) just 6 behind Sidney Crosby. With these points, he also leads his team in regular season points. Although the team has only won one postseason series with Marner on the roster, no other Leaf has more Stanley Cup playoff points than Mitch’s 11 goals and 39 assists, adding to 50 total! If not numbers, then here is what his resume looks like– 2017 NHL All-Rookie Team; 2021-2022 First All-Star Team; 2020, 2023, 2024 All-Star Game appearances; and he was the finalist for the 2023 Selke Trophy for being NHL’s top defensive forward.

That being said, trade deadlines often test a player’s conviction. Thankfully, Mitch Marner and his potential trade replacement, Mikko Rantanen, had enough of it.

Auston Matthews’ teammate and Rantanen made bold moves

Yes, Mikko Rantanen found himself at a crossroads. However, this year is not about money but about comfort and commitment. Being one of the most sought-after possible free agent, Rantanen had options—big ones. With the Canes putting a massive $13.5 million AAV extension on the table, Rantanen still chose the Dallas Stars, who offered $12 million per year in an 8-year deal.

Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky had a few words to share when he looked at Rantanen’s rather unconventional choice. He quickly pointed, “My sense of it was that this just didn’t feel like home for him, as far as I can tell. And that’s OK.” However, see, if there’s any monetary reason involved as to why Rantanen finally went to the Stars, the answer is quite simple– He does not need to pay the taxes in Dallas.

Moreover, to our surprise, the Hurricanes were actively engaged in trade talks with the Leafs regarding Rantanen. Why? Because they had initially asked for Marner in return. But again, we clearly know what Marner decided for himself, and hence he used his no-trade clause, and prevented the trade. Now, this highlighted his strong commitment to the Leafs. What do you think?

Well, even if the Leafs still have decisions to make regarding Marner’s future, they better make it soon. Because with Rantanen gone, his free agency market is hot! Now, only time will tell us if Marner is going to extend his contract with the Leafs or move elsewhere!