Who Really Leaked the Mitch Marner Trade Talks? Reporter Reveals The Truth
Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons has now revealed that it was the Carolina Hurricanes who leaked the details of the Maple Leafs’ attempt to trade Mitch Marner at the deadline.
Simmons reported that Carolina disclosed the information to shift attention away from their own poor handling of the Mikko Rantanen situation, who was ultimately traded to Dallas instead of Toronto.
While many assumed the leak came from Marner’s camp, Simmons states that Marner was unaware of the trade’s specifics when he declined to waive his no-movement clause.
The Hurricanes are reportedly interested in Mitch Marner if he is a free agent this summer. 👀 https://t.co/Qp6g1qJ3Tc pic.twitter.com/VsIGBBB1aS
— theScore (@theScore) March 17, 2025
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs asked Marner to consider waiving his NMC as part of a deal to acquire Rantanen, but the winger took a day to think it over before deciding to stay.
Despite his repeated statements about wanting to remain in Toronto, his refusal to negotiate in-season has frustrated fans and fueled speculation about his future.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun has since confirmed that if Marner reaches free agency, the Hurricanes are expected to aggressively pursue him.
“Yah I’ll say it, if Mitch Marner does go to market this summer I would expect the hurricanes to be one of the teams trying to be on his list”
— JWBS (@JustWanaBS) March 17, 2025
Lebrun with a strong statement that the canes are probably not done chasing Mitch. pic.twitter.com/hKFgZImQX3
With the Leafs’ playoff success likely playing a role in Marner’s next move, tensions continue to build. If he leaves Toronto, the reaction could be harsh, with fans already bracing for a response similar to John Tavares' infamous return to Long Island.
As of now, however, it truly is anyone's guess as to what Marner will decide this summer.
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
