Steve Kouleas was on NHL Network yesterday where he discussed Mitch Marner, revealing that the mood around the league is that the Leafs will trade him this summer.
Kouleas was part of a panel discussing what the Leafs do with Mitch Marner this summer. Marner has been a regular feature in trade rumors in the past, but discussions have picked up since the Leafs were eliminated.
"When he finished the dressing room cleanout... my answer would have been no just as a gut feeling but people talk, especially here in the self-proclaimed center of the hockey universe... what the insiders are saying is that Mitch is not against a move.
It wasn't an emphatic no way. With Mitch... the buzz is not against a move, not saying no. Where this leads? I don't know but it's so exciting."
One factor that is working against the Leafs though is the fact that Marner has a full no-move clause. As such, he could determine his own destiny by denying any trade he does not approve of personally. However, Kouleas is now suggesting that Marner may be willing to waive that no-move clause.
Mitch Marner is reportedly "not against" a move this summer, while Tavares appears to be more keen on staying and playing out the final year of his contract.
Some potential suitors include Anaheim, Nashville, and San Jose due to their cap flexibility. [via: @stevekouleas]
#leafsforever
This would line up with other recent reports. Frank Serravalli has been on the record saying he believes there is actually a 95% chance the Leafs trade Marner in the offseason.
Per @frank_seravalli there is a 95%+ chance that Mitch Marner will be traded this off-season. The two-time Selke nominee was selected fourth overall by the Maple Leafs in 2015. Many teams will likely inquire in the star winger. #GoHabsGo #LeafsForever
It would make sense for the Leafs to make such a move. After all, the core-four has had plenty of chances to go on a deep playoff run and they never got more than 5 wins. Of course, it takes 16 wins to take home the Stanley Cup.
