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Mitch Marner Controversy Grows as Leafs Consider Tampering Charges Against Golden Knights

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 10:26 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs could reportedly target the Vegas Golden Knights for tampering charges involving pending UFA forward Mitch Marner, per a new report from top analyst Elliotte Friedman.

By all indications, the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to lose forward Mitch Marner on the open market.

His likely departure from Toronto appeared to be confirmed when he cancelled his annual charity event in the city, which many interpreted as a sign that his time with the Maple Leafs was coming to a close.

And while there's smoke around the Vegas Golden Knights being a potential landing spot for Marner, could the Maple Leafs decide to file tampering charges?

Per NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman in his recent '32 Thoughts' podcast, there's a chance that Toronto could file a formal tampering complaint but could also withdraw the complaint if they made a deal with Vegas that landed them premium assets in return for Marner.

It's being whispered everywhere around the league that if Marner goes to Vegas, the Maple Leafs will go after Vegas for tampering. I have no proof that Vegas is guilty of anything, but it's a time around the league where teams are extremely sensitive about it, and as a couple of GMs told me about it on Saturday, they think the NHL is itching to make an example out of someone.
But, if they make a deal with Toronto and send them a good player, I'm betting any chance the Leafs file for tampering goes away.

Marner reached a new career-best 102 points (27G, 75A) with the Leafs this year, but once again faced criticism for his performance in the postseason, which included just 1 assists in the final 4 games of the ECSF against the divisional foe and eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

The NHL free agency period officially begins on Tuesday of this week.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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