Leafs refuse to ask Marner to waive no movement for a specific reason

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Ryan Hall
June 9, 2024 (9:23 PM)

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The Maple Leafs' off season is in full swing and the Mitch Marner trade rumors continue to ramp up but according to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, the Leafs will not ask Marner to waive is no movement until they find their best deal.

The debate to trade or to keep Marner has been raging on in Leafs nation for the past number of weeks. This is due to another poor showing in the playoffs which has been a consistent issue for the Leafs superstar. After the season was over, the Maple Leafs made several changes including firing head coach Sheldon Keefe and bringing in Craig Berube.

But the main ingredient to make major change in the Maple Leafs roster is to trade one or two pieces of the Core Four. The team was designed around these four players that would carry them into the playoffs and win a Stanley Cup within the first three years of being formed. That did not happen and after six tries, the Maple Leafs only won one playoff round which has been dismal.

It seems the focus is strictly on Marner as he would give the Maple Leafs the most value in return and free up almost $11 million in gap space. Many feel that the Maple Leafs will not approach John Tavares to waive his no movement clause as he is a far older player, only has one year remaining and has a young family in Toronto.

In the meantime, the Leafs will hold steady listen an entertain offers for Marner and may be prepared to keep him for next year. But there's lots of risk for that as he may simply walk away from the team in the next offseason and the Leafs will be left with nothing in return.