Insider shares important update on Mitch Marner and the Maple Leafs

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Mike Armenti
May 26, 2024 (3:46 PM)

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Photo credit: Maple Leafs/Facebook

Mitch Marner is reportedly willing to "consider his options" this summer if asked to waive his NMC, according to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta.

The news came down from Pagnotta on Saturday evening after the insider revealed that it's Marner's first preference to remain a Toronto Maple Leaf.

Marner was originally drafted by his hometown team with the 4th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and has played his entire career in Toronto. Unfortunately, as the famous phrase in "The Dark Knight" goes, "You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain."

Marner has been the subject of much criticism over the past few years online, among the fanbase and in the Toronto media, largely due to his inability to elevate his game in the postseason. The constant scrutiny may not be doing him any favours in Toronto and if presented with an attractive offer from a desirable location, it wouldn't shock anyone to see Marner agree to waive his no-movement clause.

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Pagnotta also mentioned four NHL clubs with perceived interest in bringing Marner in and suggested that the Leafs are prepared to pay Marner's $7.25M signing bonus before trading him in order to maximize the potential return if/when a deal is struck.

"There is no doubt in my mind Marner will be extremely disappointed if the Maple Leafs opt for a change, and he is entirely within his right to hold firm and exercise his NMC. However, if the Maple Leafs decide they want to explore the trade market and ask Marner for a list of teams he would waive his NMC for, it is my understanding he will consider his options, as I reported earlier this month. Teams like Nashville, Vegas, Chicago and Dallas are just four clubs I would keep an eye on, if/when Leafs GM Brad Treliving goes shopping.

One thing to consider, if Toronto goes down this path, they will want to maximize a return, and MLSE isn't afraid to flex their financial muscles and pay Marner's upcoming $7.25 million bonus before finalizing a trade."

Marner has one year remaining on his current deal and is eligible to ink an extension on July 1st. It wouldn't shock me in the least to see the Leafs and Marner come to terms on a sign-and-trade, which would allow the player to get that much coveted 8th year.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

The wife of a top free agent lets information on his future slip early

Ex-Leaf receives heartbreaking news derailing his Stanley Cup run

One team stands out as best possible Mitch Marner trade destination

POLL
MAY 26 \| 470 ANSWERS Insider shares important update on Mitch Marner and the Maple Leafs Which of the 4 teams mentioned by David Pagnotta do you think makes the most sense for Mitch Marner?
Dallas	43	9.1 %
Nashville	209	44.5 %
Chicago	129	27.4 %
Vegas	89	18.9 %
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