Leafs Coach Craig Berube Reveals How Mitch Marner is Handling Trade Deadline Aftermath

With the NHL trade deadline now behind us, it's clear that the Toronto Maple Leafs were very close to acquiring superstar Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes.

Rantanen had a list of four teams he was willing to sign with if he was traded to them, and the Maple Leafs were on that short list.

However, the Hurricanes ultimately traded Rantanen to the Dallas Stars, leaving the Maple Leafs organization shaken after being so close to landing a superstar talent that could have been a wonderful backup plan if Mitch Marner opted not to extend in Toronto.

Marner was rumored to be involved in the trade request and was even asked if he would waive his no-trade clause, which, obviously, he declined. Despite this, Marner has remained in high spirits.

On Wednesday, Craig Berube commented on how Marner has handled the situation on the ice after the trade deadline. As per Mark Masters on X:

Although it's clear that the relationship between Marner and the Maple Leafs organization might be strained, Marner remains optimistic and clearly enjoys playing in Toronto.

Rumors have been circulating that Marner may test free agency, and there has been some speculation that the Pittsburgh Penguins could be one of the potential teams that may look to try to sign him. This would reunite Marner with former Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas, now the President of Hockey Operations and GM for the Penguins.

Only time will tell what the future holds for Mitch Marner, but one thing is certain: the Maple Leafs are a much better team with him on the roster and they'll need him to be at the top of his game as the playoffs approach.