Latest Toronto Maple Leafs Speculation: Will Marner and Tavares Waive Their NMCs or Not?

As the NHL off-season approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs are garnering more attention in the rumor mill.

Mitch Marner's future remains a hot topic. The 27-year-old winger can become a UFA next July, giving rise to speculation that he might be traded this summer.

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun reported Sunday that Leafs management hasn't asked Marner to waive his no-movement clause but remains interested in moving him. However, they won't approach Marner about waiving his clause until they receive a suitable offer. 

The Hockey News' Evan Doerfler cited Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli acknowledging the Marner camp's intention to hold firm on his no-move clause. Nevertheless, Seravalli thinks Leafs management could try to convince the winger to change his mind by telling him his time is up in Toronto.

Julian Gaudio noted Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman suggesting the Vegas Golden Knights as a destination for Marner, pointing out they always seem to be around any good player in the trade market. However, they may have already made their big moves this year with their acquisitions of Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin before the March trade deadline.

Turning to John Tavares, Sportsnet's Jeff Marek floated a scenario whereby the Utah franchise offers the 33-year-old center a two-year contract extension at “a healthy number” if he agrees to be traded to them. Friedman believes Tavares intends to honor the final season of his contract with the Leafs. The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported last week he has no interest in waiving his NMC. 

The Leafs' need to free up cap space to make significant roster additions could explain why Marner and Tavares keep surfacing in the rumor mill.

One of those additions could be Jacob Markstrom. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported last week the Leafs were linked to the 34-year-old Calgary Flames goaltender, along with the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators. Markstrom carries an annual average value of $6 million through 2026-27, along with an NMC. 

The Leafs could also consider a more affordable goaltending option in Laurent Brossoit. The Athletic's James Mirtle claimed there's mutual interest in the 31-year-old Winnipeg Jets backup. He's put up good numbers in limited action over the last two seasons and could provide invaluable veteran support to promising netminder Joseph Woll. 

Doerfler cited Friedman telling Leafs Morning Take that Treliving will attempt to acquire a couple of “really good defensemen” via free agency. Possible targets include Florida's Brandon Montour, Vancouver's Nikita Zadorov, Dallas' Chris Tanev, Carolina's Brett Pesce and Colorado's Sean Walker.

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