Report: Leafs, Golden Knights, Hurricanes briefly discussed 3-team deal involving Marner at deadline

It may be a moot point now, but the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights held discussions about a three-team trade involving Mitch Marner ahead of the 2025 NHL trade deadline, The Athletic’s James Mirtle reports.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman previously reported in March that the Hurricanes and Maple Leafs agreed to the framework of a deal, where Mikko Rantanen would join the Maple Leafs, while Marner would become a member of the Hurricanes. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving asked Marner if he’d waive his no-trade clause and he elected not to.

“I wasn’t focused on it. I had a feeling that maybe something might happen,” Marner said on March 9, about being asked to waive his no-trade clause. “But, yeah, I’m here to play hockey with this team, like I said, and I’m focused with this team. And that’s what I can tell you.”

In the three-team proposal outlined, the Maple Leafs would’ve received Rantanen, the Golden Knights would’ve received Marner, while the Hurricanes would’ve received an unnamed package of players and picks. The proposal fell through as the Golden Knights and Hurricanes couldn’t agree on the assets involved in a potential trade, Mirtle reports.

Friedman also reported on May 30 that the Maple Leafs attempted to trade Marner to the Golden Knights for defenceman Shea Theodore, but the Golden Knights rejected the proposal. Daily Faceoff listed the Golden Knights as the top destination for Marner on this year’s market, where the 28-year-old is widely considered the best available unrestricted free agent. And while a return to the Maple Leafs hasn’t been formally ruled out, it would be very surprising if Marner returned for the 2025-26 season.

It’s entirely possible that the worst-case scenario, where Marner signs with a new team, leaving the Maple Leafs with nothing in return, could be playing out in real-time. There’s plenty of time until July 1, but few would fault you for ruing what could’ve been at this year’s deadline.