Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner has given everything to the city of Toronto. At least for now, he is staying put.
Two weeks ago, he had a chance to move on but rejected a trade to a team that is arguably better. But why? Is there something we do not know? Or is Marner just faithful to the city of Toronto?
Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner decided to stay put
On trade deadline day 2025, massive trades were made and some gave teams a better shot at a playoff spot. Toronto made moves to fill some voids, acquiring center Scott Laughton and defenseman Brandon Carlo. However, they could have added more punch with a rumored trade of Carolina Hurricanes forward MIkko Rantanen for Marner. Marner rejected the trade using his no-movement clause. Other assets were not mentioned but this could have possibly been the biggest trade in years.
Marner rejected the trade to Carolina has more questions than answers. If Marner has not signed yet, does he want to come back? If not, then why not accept a trade to an arguably better team? Rantanen reportedly had four teams that he wanted to be traded to and sign an extension. Toronto was one of those teams?
It is not clear which direction Mitch Marner is heading
Does he return to Toronto next season? Does he sign elsewhere? Is there a bigger trade going down in the offseason? Marner has been one of the biggest offensive stars in Toronto hockey history and they could have built a team around him.
However, does Marner want one more shot at a Stanley Cup? If Toronto does not in it all is he out? Carolina is slightly better in the postseason and may be ahead of Toronto in capturing a Stanley Cup. I can understand why any organization would want Marner, any team would. If Marner does not want to re-sign why not move him and gain valuable assets?
This could all be on hold until the season ends and see what the Maple Leafs do. They have had much success in the regular season, but when playoff time hits the entire team folds. If they do not win it this season, could we see them pull a Boston Bruins and move everyone?
However, does Marner want one more shot at a Stanley Cup? If Toronto does not in it all is he out? Carolina is slightly better in the postseason and may be ahead of Toronto in capturing a Stanley Cup. I can understand why any organization would want Marner, any team would. If Marner does not want to re-sign why not move him and gain valuable assets?
This could all be on hold until the season ends and see what the Maple Leafs do. They have had much success in the regular season, but when playoff time hits the entire team folds. If they do not win it this season, could we see them pull a Boston Bruins and move everyone?
