Mitch Marner Asked By Leafs to Waive NMC for Trade Deadline Blockbuster, But Declines
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs superstar forward Mitch Marner was reportedly asked to waive his no-movement clause to allow the Leafs to pull off a trade deadline blockbuster trade, but declined.
According to the NHL's most reliable insider, Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs were extremely close to acquiring Mikko Rantanen at the trade deadline. Of course, with yesterday's reporting, that's not a total shocker. The next part, however, is.
Apparently, per Friedman's report, when the Leafs reached out to the Hurricanes about Rantanen, they were told that they would move the Stanley Cup champion in exchange for Mitch Marner.
In the report, Friedman confirmed that the Leafs communicated to Marner that it is their intention to sign him. Marner responded by declaring his intention to remain in Toronto, declining to waive his NMC to be dealt to Carolina, keeping the door open to re-sign with the Leafs.
"The Hurricanes initially asked for Mitch Marner in return for Rantanen. Because it was for Rantanen, the Maple Leafs had to consider it. They told the winger their desire is to sign him, but they had to ask in this case. As is his right, Marner declined to move, re-iterating his desire to stay.
Neither the Maple Leafs, the Hurricanes, nor Marner's agent, Darren Ferris, would comment. But that could have been the biggest blockbuster of the week."
Neither the Maple Leafs, the Hurricanes, nor Marner's agent, Darren Ferris, would comment. But that could have been the biggest blockbuster of the week."
As crazy as Friday's trade deadline was, could you imagine if the Hurricanes and Leafs were able to successfully complete a swap for Mikko Rantanen?
Per a report from TSN's Bob McKenzie, Toronto was one of the teams that Rantanen looked favourably upon if he did reach free agency on July 1st. Rantanen was reportedly willing to negotiate a potential deal with the Leafs if he had the opportunity.
I'm sure we haven't heard the last of this whole situation, as details are still trickling in from a busy trade deadline, but there's no question that this one was an absolute mind-melter.
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
