According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Leafs are going to try to back Marner into a corner, in order to get Marner to waive his no-move clause to accept a trade out of Toronto.
Marner has a full no-move clause for next season, meaning he has to approve any trade the Leafs make involving him, as well as having control over whether or not he rejects a deal. Marner has expressed his desire to continue with the Leafs next season as he heads to free agency after.
Mitch Marner has been linked to a few teams, yet reports indicate nothing is concrete enough to force Marner to take the way out. Reports from insiders, including Seravalli, give the chance of a Marner return next season as "slim-to-none".
Toronto faces a tough decision with Marner a free agent, as well as captain John Tavares and goalie Joseph Woll, the latter a restricted free agent. Marner's request to stay will dictate his choosing as to where he's sent if he does approve a trade, making a deal uncertain and lacking leverage in Toronto's favor.
Marner, 27, had 26 goals, 59 assists & 85 points in 69 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs this past season.
