Just when you thought Mitch Marner’s seemingly inevitable exit from Toronto couldn’t get more nasty, a new report has emerged. The Toronto Maple Leafs may be preparing to take action.

On the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast, host Elliotte Friedman reported that there is speculation the Leafs may go to the league if Marner signs with Vegas Golden Knights on July 1 before a trade for his rights is completed.

“There is another reason that I think people are wondering about this... But, there's been some talk that if Marner goes to Vegas, the Maple Leafs will go after Vegas for tampering,” Friedman said.

On Saturday, multiple reports surfaced about the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights discussing a trade for Marner’s rights, potentially in exchange for a player like Nic Roy. There has also been discussion that defenseman Nicolas Hague could be included in a deal.

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving declined to comment on the trade speculation. However, Treliving did admit it would be his preference to receive compensation rather than lose Marner in free agency for nothing by July 1.

Report: Maple Leafs And Golden Knights Discussing Mitch Marner Sign And Trade, Could Include Nic Roy The Mitch Marner sweepstakes could end before free agency begins.

According to Friedman, talk among GMs about tampering complaints has intensified, and the league may be looking to make an example of this situation. A potential deal between the Leafs and Golden Knights could prevent that.

"I have no proof that Vegas is guilty of anything. But it's a time around the league where teams are extremely sensitive about it. And as a couple of GMs told me on Saturday, they think the NHL is itching to try and make an example out of someone. Once again, I'm going to stress I don't have any proof that Vegas is guilty of anything. But if they make a deal with Toronto and send a good player or two to Toronto, I'm betting any chance the Maple Leafs file for tampering goes away. So all those reasons getting to Marner faster, clearing cap space, Toronto gets good players, and eliminating any possibility of any tampering investigation. Which is being whispered everywhere around the league. All that goes away if this deal gets done. We'll see. No promises, no assurances. That's what I think is going on."

Marner is a free agent on July 1 and is coming off a contract that paid him an average annual value of $10.903 million per season.

(Headline photo courtesy of John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)

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If Mitch Marner Leaves in Free Agency, Could the Maple Leafs Pursue Tampering Charges?