Insider reveals why Mitch Marner's no-movement clause is a non-factor

Colby Cohen and Frank Seravalli got into a debate on whether or not Marner's no-movement clause will have great effect on the Toronto Maple Leafs off-season plans. It's never easy to approach a star player to waive their no-movement clause as Cohen points out, however Seravalli was adamant that it will not be as complicated as some make it out to seem:

Colby Cohen: "I think the Mitch Marner situation is much more complicated than people make it out to be because he's got all the leverage.."

Frank Seravalli: "I have to stop you there, what leverage?"

Colby Cohen: "Okay, well the leverage would be a no move clause and 11 million dollar salary"

Frank Seravalli: "That means nothing to me, put yourself in Mitch Marner's shoes and the Toronto Maple Leafs come to you and say hey, you're entering the final year of your deal, we're letting you know now that under zero circumstances are we re-signing you to an extension.

Your choice is you can either play out your all-important contract year on a team that does not want you here and a market that clearly does not want you here or you can work with us and facilitate a trade because whether it's last game in Boston, game 7, or whether it's game 82 or whenever we bow out of the playoffs next season, your time as a Toronto Maple Leaf has come to an end. Boom. Period. End of story. No-movement clause becomes a non-factor."

It seems more and more likely that Marner has played his last game as a member of the Maple Leafs. After 8 successful seasons, the former first round pick has not stepped up to the occasion during the post-season and with Auston Matthews and William Nylander extended long-term, Marner has become the odd-man out.

As Cohen points out initially, his no-movement clause is the biggest hitch, on top of the fact that he's making nearly 11 million dollars. However Seravalli was quick to interject that because of how dire the situation is and how toxic the relationship has become between player and media - and probably between player and team - why would Marner stick around?

Being unwanted while playing out your contract season is not a recipe for success and he should look to take advantage elsewhere, especially with a team willing to not only dump coveted assets for his expiring contract but also a team that is willing to meet his lofty contract demands.

A split between Marner and the Maple Leafs is absolutely necessary and doing it sooner rather than later should be a top priority for Brad Treliving and the rest of the front office executives.