New report suggests Mitch Marner open to leaving Leafs this summer

NHL Network's Steve Kouleas confirms Mitch Marner is willing to waive his no-movement clause, mentions two potential warm and sunny trade destinations.

According to multiple insiders, the Toronto Maple Leafs and GM Brad Treliving are expected to hold conversations with Marner and his camp in the coming weeks to determine if he and the Leafs will opt for a split, or if he be in town for at least another season.

Kouleas was doing his best to read the tea leaves this weekend, though he did reveal that the prevailing thought is that Marner is "not against" a move after yet another disappointing result in the playoffs and the subsequent fallout.

There have been countless reported potential suitors for Marner and now Kouleas, a long-time analyst, has revealed that two California teams could be possible trade partners for the Leafs in the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks.


Both teams are full of prospects and young NHLers that would interest the Leafs and help extend their competitive window with Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Kouleas also noted that Anaheim and San Jose have plenty of cap space, meaning the Leafs would not have to retain any salary on Marner's current deal and, of course, the Sharks would be able to offer him a huge extension.

Both teams are «bottom-feeders» and Marner would obviously prefer to play for a contender, but some are quick to forget how close Marner was with both Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton, two players who reside in San Jose and are still involved with the Sharks.

Until a decision is made by Marner and the Leafs on his future, rumours will swirl and the Leafs will continue to field calls from interested teams.