‘I Think The Toronto Maple Leafs Are Going To Do Everything Within Their Power To Try And Make Something Happen’: Mitch Marner’s No-Movement Clause Continues to Pose as a Major Challenge
Marner is eligible to sign an extension with the Leafs as early as July 1.
Just one week away from July 1, the offseason rollercoaster nears its tipping point atop the mountain for Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner. One moment, the 27-year-old appears destined to find a new home; the next, he’s staying put. The truth is, the Leafs have a few different options, but which one will they take?
The possible courses of action are as follows: The club can officially sign the right winger to an extension on July 1, provided both parties agree. Conversely, Marner could play out the final year of his deal without the cushion of an extension waiting in the wings. Alternatively, the club can explore a trade this summer before Marner hits unrestricted free agent status in 2025.
According to The Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, speaking on The JD Bunkis Podcast Monday, he believes the organization will be all in on trading the Toronto native.
“I truly believe that between now and whenever the transaction period ends, whatever you view that as, I think the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to do everything within their power to try and make something happen,” said Seravalli, adding, “Whether he goes for it is a different story.”
And that is the truth as one key road bump lay ahead: Marner’s no-movement clause. In full transparency, Marner has control over his future. Negotiated in his contract, he had a no-movement clause in both the 2023-24 season and the upcoming 2024-25 campaign. Given his well-known status as a Toronto guy through and through, it’s been hard to imagine any scenario where Marner wavers to materialize a trade that sees him out of Toronto.
Besides, his agent, Darren Farris, has reportedly indicated that his client intends to play out the remainder of his deal in Toronto. On the other hand, general manager Brad Treliving hasn’t necessarily ruled out trading the forward but mentions that the team won’t make a trade for the sake of making one.
What people are not questioning is that the team needs a change; instead, they are asking how they will achieve this and to what extent. On July 1, Marner will receive a $7.25 million signing bonus with just $775,000 being owed to the forward before he becomes a free agent in 2025. As for the extension, there hasn’t been any solid evidence or signs pointing towards the progress of any sort of negotiations.
Marner, who scored 26 goals and added 59 assists for 85 points in 69 games, is likely viewed as a prized possession for many NHL franchises. However, for Treliving and Co., it will be hard to maneuver the glue that is keeping this all intact, the no-movement clause. Time will tell if either side budges and if the standstill begins to loosen.
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