‘I’m Here To Play Hockey With These Guys’: Mitch Marner Stays Tight-Lipped Amid Outside Noise, Focused On Getting Maple Leafs Back On Track

Jan 29, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) looks on against the Minnesota Wild in the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

It’s been a whirlwind for Toronto Maple Leafs star winger Mitch Marner.

But after six straight weeks on the road, trade rumors, and contract speculation, Marner was straightforward after Saturday’s practice ahead of their evening matchup with the Ottawa Senators – emphasizing that his focus remains on the product on the ice.

"We know it's going to be a competitive game, a hard game. Obviously, that team is playing with some serious desperation over there. We've got to make sure we're ready to match that and get more," said Marner after practice.

Keeping the Focus on Hockey

The 27-year-old had his eight-game point streak snapped on Wednesday against the Florida Panthers. Despite that, he remains Toronto’s leading scorer, with 21 goals and 59 assists for 80 points through 64 games.

Following the skate, Marner spoke with the media, directly addressing the recent noise surrounding him – particularly after the trade deadline, when reports surfaced that the Leafs had asked him to waive his no-movement clause to facilitate a deal for now-Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen. Marner declined, and no trade materialized.

As he has all season, Marner remained tight-lipped. When asked how the past few days had been, he was brief.

“Hockey-wise, nothing. I mean, I’m just out here playing hockey with these guys, and I’m enjoying that,” Marner said.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were reportedly in on the Mikko Rantanen sweepstakes.

thehockeynews.com‘That Was The Big Move’: Maple Leafs Were Reportedly Heavily Involved In Mikko Rantanen Sweepstakes Before Trade To StarsThe Toronto Maple Leafs were reportedly in on the Mikko Rantanen sweepstakes.

Marner also didn’t offer much when asked about Leafs general manager Brad Treliving’s recent vote of confidence, repeating his desire to play with his teammates.

“Yeah, it’s great. Like I said, I’m here to play hockey with these guys. I’m excited for that,” he said.

His answers reflected the approach he has maintained all season by avoiding contract discussions and keeping his focus on playing. However, his unwillingness to engage in negotiations has left the Leafs in a difficult position, with free agency looming and no clarity on his long-term future in Toronto.

The question stems from Treliving’s media availability shortly after the deadline to address reports about Marner and clarify the Leafs’ stance.

"I'm not going to get into any questions. We talked about it the other day with regards to contracts and the business side of it, we're not going to get into it. Other than we're aligned with Mitch, right? We're worried about this season. We're worried about the games we have coming up. We want Mitch here for a long time. But it's not a distraction,” said Treliving following the deadline.

“But like I said, we think the world of him, right? But it's just not a question we're going to get into every day. We've dealt with it here. We move forward. We want Mitch here. We're all focused on the next 19 (games) to go. So I just wanted to come and address you on it so you don't have to track me down. And we'll move on,” he added.

SALT LAKE — One day after the NHL Trade Deadline came and went, multiple reports surfaced, revealing that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner was asked to waive his no-movement clause in an effort to land now-Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen.

thehockeynews.com'It's Not A Distraction': Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Responds To Reports Of Asking Mitch Marner To Waive No-Move Clause For Mikko RantanenSALT LAKE — One day after the NHL Trade Deadline came and went, multiple reports surfaced, revealing that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner was asked to waive his no-movement clause in an effort to land now-Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen.

He also praised Marner’s handling of the situation.

“We like everything about Mitch. And there's always, hey, we talked about at the beginning of the year. We're going to try to handle the business side away from it. But I think he's handled everything extremely well. But that's where the focus is right now. And I get it. You guys have jobs to do and totally respect that. But I just wanted to make sure that we came out and addressed it. And I support Mitch a thousand percent. He's not out here on an island, as I say. We're trying to worry about winning hockey,” said Treliving.

As of late, it’s safe to say there has been a lot of noise surrounding Marner and his future. Whether or not the outside noise is affecting him, he insists his focus remains on the team and its success.

"I'm here to play hockey with this team. That's what I can tell you. I want to be with this team. I want to play for this team,” Marner said in Colorado on March 8.

After scoring two goals in a loss to the Avalanche, Marner spoke about recent reports of being asked to waive his no-move clause.

thehockeynews.com'I Had A Feeling Maybe Something Might Happen': Mitch Marner Addresses Reports Of Maple Leafs Asking Him To Waive No-Move Clause To HurricanesAfter scoring two goals in a loss to the Avalanche, Marner spoke about recent reports of being asked to waive his no-move clause.

It’s an important stretch of hockey for the Maple Leafs, who continue to try and chase down the Florida Panthers for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. Since the start of March, the team has not been playing its best hockey, losing four of its last five games.

With just 17 games left in the regular season, the Maple Leafs need to find their stride before the playoffs. If Toronto hopes to make any version of a deep playoff run, they’ll need him locked in, leading the charge when it matters most.

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