Mitch Marner on being asked to waive no-trade clause: ‘I had a feeling something might happen’

The 27-year-old was reportedly asked by the Maple Leafs if he’d waive his contract in a potential deal with the Carolina Hurricanes for Mikko Rantanen. Marner declined, and said his preference is to remain with the Maple Leafs. This scenario potentially allows Marner to leave the Maple Leafs in free agency, with the team recouping no assets in return.

“Like I talked to you guys, man, I’m not gonna get into any of this contact stuff,” Marner said. “I’ve been very grateful, and I’ve loved my time being a Leaf. So, I’ll leave it with you guys. And we got 20 games left here that aren’t going to be easy. We got to make sure we just keep our foot down on the gas here and give ourselves the best position to go into playoffs.”

It was also reported that Marner is willing to test free agency, where he will be considered the top free agent on the open market, after Rantanen signed an eight-year extension worth $12 million annually with the Dallas Stars on Friday.

Marner recorded two goals against the Avalanche and has been the Maple Leafs’ most productive offensive player this season with 21 goals and 79 points in 62 games.

The latest reports have further polarized the tenor of everything Marner does, but he’s on the final year of an expiring contract and has stated previously on multiple occasions that he wants to remain with the Maple Leafs. Now, the uncertain prospect of his impending future with the Maple Leafs becomes an ever larger question heading into the spring.