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What Could Happen If Maple Leafs File Mitch Marner Tampering Complaint

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 7:18 AM ET

If Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner ends up signing with the Vegas Golden Knights as a free agent on July 1, things might get messy.

On Sunday's episode of Sportsnet's "32 Thoughts" podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Maple Leafs are seriously considering filing a tampering complaint against Vegas.

That would only happen if the Knights land Marner shortly after the start of free agency on July 1 without a sign-and-trade.

“There’s been some talk that if Marner goes to Vegas, the Maple Leafs will go after Vegas for tampering,” Friedman said.

There’s a growing belief that the Maple Leafs could consider filing a tampering complaint with the NHL if Mitch Marner signs with Vegas as a UFA on July 1st.

Some GM’s and people around the league feel the NHL is itching to make an example out of a team when it comes to… pic.twitter.com/IKLxtX05pk
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) June 29, 2025

Friedman made clear that he has no proof of illegal contact between the sides but warned that “teams are extremely sensitive about it,” and a few general managers believe the NHL is “itching to try and make an example out of someone.”

The Leafs have explored a potential sign-and-trade with Vegas that could send Nicolas Roy to Toronto, according to Friedman.

“If they make a deal with Toronto and send a good player or two to Toronto, I’m betting any chance the Maple Leafs file for tampering goes away,” Friedman said.

Reminder of potential penalties for tampering as a report from @FriedgeHNIC comes out of #Leafs possibly filing for tampering against #VegasBorn if VGK signs Mitch Marner on July 1st.

Friedman this A.M. - “GMs think the NHL is ITCHING to make an example out of someone.” pic.twitter.com/KRoSInlDnQ
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) June 29, 2025

If no sign-and-trade occurs heading into the opening of the free-agent market and Marner signs quickly with Vegas, Toronto could argue that discussions occurred prematurely.

That'd be a direct violation of league rules, which prohibit contract talks with players under contract before the official start of free agency, set at Noon ET on Tuesday.

The consequences, if tampering is proven, are severe and could impact both Marner and the Golden Knights.

According to league policy, via Sportsnet (h/t @PuckReportNHL for the capture), the Golden Knights could be fined up to $5 million, forfeit draft picks, and see Marner’s contract voided.

The NHL could also award compensation to the Leafs, and Marner himself could face a $1 million fine or a possible suspension or expulsion from the league.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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