Maple Leafs Rumors: Shocking News Revealed on Marner's Mindset in Toronto

Do Mitch Marner's actions match his words on wanting to remain a Toronto Maple Leaf for the long haul? Not necessarily, at least according to the latest word from Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons. He reveals some shocking news about Marner's true mindset.

The sometimes controversial writer reported on Monday morning that the Leafs' superstar winger didn't answer right away when asked by GM Brad Treliving if he would waive his no-trade clause to be sent to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Mitch Marner took the night to sleep on it.

For all he talks about wanting to be a Maple Leaf for life, his only team, his only town, when he was asked about waiving the no-trade arrangement in his contract, he didn’t answer immediately.

Simmons adds that Marner didn't even know at the time that the trade was for Mikko Rantanen.

We now know that Marner ultimately declined to waive, and stated that his goal remained wanting to stay in his hometown long-term. If Simmons' report is true, however, it doesn't elicit thoughts that Marner is dead-set 100% on staying in Toronto.

He had to think about it.

Plus the fact remains that there have been no negotiations between Marner's camp and the Leafs as the pending unrestricted free agent gets closer and closer to hitting the open market on July 1st.

Simmons asks, if Marner really wants to stay in Toronto, why haven't there been any negotiations?

"The notion — he won’t negotiate while the season is going on — is pretty much modern-day drivel. Players don’t tend to be involved much in contract negotiations until they get close to the deal being signed or one walked away from. The agent does the work."

It's believed that Marner will be looking for a long-term deal that is at least at the level established by his teammate Auston Matthews, who is in the first season of a $13.25 million AAV deal.

So as the Leafs continue their late-season swoon (one win in their last six games), nobody seems to know where this will go once talks can really begin after the season is done and the Leafs are cleaning out their lockers.

"It’s a game of hockey chicken with the only sure thing," concludes Simmons, "Marner being well paid no matter how this ends up".