NHL Trade Rumors: Mitch Marner might leave Toronto and head to a Western Conference team
Mitch Marner might leave Toronto and head to a Western Conference team (Image via Getty)
Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner is once again at the center of trade talks. Fans are waiting to see what will happen next. Will he stay in Toronto, or will he be on the move soon? His future has become one of the biggest topics this offseason.
But where could he go if he does leave? A well-known insider just shared a major clue.
NHL insider says Mitch Marner might join a Western Conference team
On the June 12, 2025 episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman talked about the trade rumors surrounding Mitch Marner. The podcast is hosted by Friedman and Jeff Marek and often shares trusted NHL news. During this new episode, Friedman said something that grabbed fans' attention.
'If Mitch Marner leaves Toronto,' Friedman said, 'I think he's going to a Western Conference team.'
Friedman did not name any team in particular. But he shared that the Maple Leafs may not want to trade Marner to an Eastern Conference rival. That means teams like the Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, Seattle Kraken, or Calgary Flames could be possible options. Friedman explained that it's still early and nothing is confirmed, but many in the league believe Toronto may try to move Marner away from the East.
Mitch Marner is 27 years old.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
No Distractions. Just Solitaire
Play Solitaire
Download
Undo
He has played his entire career with the Toronto Maple Leafs since being drafted in 2015. In the 2024–25 NHL season, he scored 28 goals and 59 assists in 80 games. His current contract runs until the end of the 2025–26 season, and he has a no-move clause, meaning he must approve any trade.
Also Read:
Toronto Maple Leafs Winger Mitch Marner Could Be The Missing Piece Of A Revitalized Columbus Blue Jackets Roster
Mitch Marner has not asked for a trade, but talks continue
So far, Mitch Marner has not asked to leave the team. He has not made any public comments about the rumors. According to Sportsnet reporter Luke Fox, Marner's agent, Darren Ferris, said on June 10, 2025, that they are not requesting a trade and are focusing on preparing for the next season.
Still, Toronto fans are unsure. The Maple Leafs lost in the first round of the 2025 NHL playoffs against the Boston Bruins, and many believe the team might make big changes.
'I don't think it's personal,' Friedman added. 'But if a trade happens, it's about what's best for both sides.'
You can listen to the full podcast episode on the Sportsnet website and YouTube channel.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Goalies are such weirdos': Fans react as NHL goalie chaos in Stanley Cup warm-ups goes viral
NHL fans are going wild over the viral video of Calvin Pickard and Vitek Vanecek's goalie faceoff before Game 4. Calvin Pickard not only appeared at Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final to serve as a backup for Edmonton Oilers starter Stuart Skinner—he also swiped the internet for attention during warm-ups with his side-splitting, memeable exchange that had NHL fans laughing hard. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now NHL fans welcome the strangest brotherhood in sports In a moment shared far and wide on social media, Calvin Pickard slid over to Florida Panthers backup Vitek Vanecek, who stood motionless like a statue at center ice. Calvin Pickard, noticing the peculiar immobility, nonchalantly asked Vitek Vanecek if he'd like to stretch along with him. The reaction? A chilly, wordless rejection, and Calvin Pickard skates away with equal deadpan enthusiasm. The video went viral immediately. NHL goalies have always been perceived as a unique lot—serious, quirky, and sometimes unintentionally comedic. And then this pregame moment between Calvin Pickard and Vitek Vanecek just made that reputation for oddness grow. Corey Perry Warmup Routine Reddit exploded with comments from amused viewers. One commenter summed up the mood best: 'Goalies are such weirdos. I love it.' 'This made me laugh so hard during Pickard's post-game interview. What an adorable dork,' another said. Speculation regarding the interaction abounded online, with some speculating that Vanecek's statue-like demeanor was not necessarily an awkward energy. 'Do you think they are shit talking or just trying to get in their head, or just talking like buddies,' one Reddit user said to which someone replied, 'Stolarz did this last year to get in Skinners head. They must have felt it worked, and now their new backup is doing the same. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It is intentional.' Fans also couldn't help but catch the dysfunctional Panther growl sound playing in the arena background of the video. "The panther growl in the background kills me," one user typed, adding to the levels of humor that made the moment almost scripted. And yet, amidst all the humor, there was a current of appreciation for hockey's most eccentric position. 'Goalies are a different breed!' one fan said. Also read: Although Stuart Skinner did not survive past the first period of Game 4, maybe the real mental game was already afoot before the puck was dropped—with Vanecek playing chess and Pickard merely attempting to stretch. Either way, the odd pregame ritual reminded everyone of one thing: goalies aren't merely players—they're a show in themselves.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
How Evan Bouchard became Edmonton Oilers' defensive cornerstone in the NHL
Evan Bouchard (via Getty Images) There aren't many players who stand out in the hockey universe. Evan Bouchard is one of those promising young athletes. The Edmonton Oilers' 25-year-old defenseman's NHL development as a trustworthy young blue-liner has arrived in the nick of time for the Edmonton Oilers. Evan Bouchard brings measured composure with attack confidence, reshaping the Edmonton Oilers' brand in the fast-paced, high-scoring NHL of the present. Evan Bouchard's transformation into an Edmonton Oilers' star NHL player At only his mid-20s, Evan Bouchard has emerged as a seasoned professional hockey player. Evan Bouchard was born on October 20, 1999, and his career began in Oakville, Ontario, where he made it to the junior level with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. There, his vision and play had him as one of the elite defensemen from his early days. Having been selected 10th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2018 NHL Draft, Evan Bouchard bounced back and forth between the NHL and the American Hockey League's Bakersfield Condors. It was time well invested. By the 2022–2023 season, Evan Bouchard was a full-time member of Edmonton's defense corps. RAW | Evan Bouchard 06.08.25 During the campaign, he gained over 40 points during the regular season and had some crucial assists during the playoffs to propel the Edmonton Oilers far into the playoffs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest in SALIK shares today and be part of the city's growth سالك Learn More Undo His puck-puck passing out of the zone and composure under duress were instrumental aspects. To have a defensive rock in Bouchard on a roster with franchise players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl adds depth and balance. Contract talks have already begun in progress, with insiders looking for the Edmonton Oilers to make a long-term attempt at signing Bouchard. How he's going, it's not hard to see him as an alternate captain, let alone a finalist for the Norris Trophy in the future. Also read: 'I've fallen in love with the guy': Former Maple Leafs star Jeff O'Neill praises Evan Bouchard Evan Bouchard's story shows how development, patience, and serendipity can forge a star. As the Edmonton Oilers hunt down their always-volatile Stanley Cup, the young defenseman will be included in every decision they make, on and off the ice.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Stephen A Smith breaks silence after his Solitaire play during NBA Finals Game 4 goes viral, sparking a two-word response from Kevin Durant
Stephen A Smith and Kevin Durant. Image via: Chris Elise | National Basketball Association | Getty Images | Justin Ford/ Getty Images ESPN's Stephen A. Smith is no stranger to controversy, but even he couldn't have predicted his recent controversy. During Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, cameras caught Smith seemingly playing Solitaire on his phone during the game. The clip quickly went viral, prompting sharp reactions online, which included a blunt, two-word jab from NBA star Kevin Durant. As fans questioned his focus during such a high-stakes broadcast, Smith chose to address the moment head-on. Stephen A. defends himself after Kevin Durant reacts to the viral photo The photograph of Stephen A. Smith locked into his phone mid-game caused a stir, especially given the tension of Game 4, where the Thunder stormed back to even the series 2-2. With millions watching, the idea of a top analyst playing games mid-game didn't sit well with many. Kevin Durant, known for never shying away from social media, added fuel to the fire by posting a screenshot of Smith playing with the caption: "Cmon Steve. " In typical fashion, Smith didn't stay silent for long. 'Yep! That's me. Who would've thought….I can multi-task. Especially during TIMEOUTS! Hope y'all are enjoying the NBA Finals. This is going 7 games now, peeps!' he wrote on X, brushing off the criticism and making light of the situation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Exclusive Pre-Launch Offers – SPR Gurgaon Signature Global Book Now Undo Smith posted another post on X, showing off his apparent multitasking. Smith has already been in the spotlight throughout the Finals due to his strong takes on both the Thunder and Pacers. He recently fired back at Tyrese Haliburton for comments aimed at media coverage, saying, 'Players far more accomplished and far more superior have made their efforts trying to call me out. How has that worked out?' The tension between media and athletes has been a running theme throughout this series. On the court, the Thunder pulled off a gritty 111-104 win in Indiana. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 35 points, while Jalen Williams chipped in 27 points and went 11-for-11 at the line. Chet Holmgren added a monster double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Despite shooting poorly from beyond the arc, OKC made up for it at the free-throw line, converting 34-of-38 attempts. Also Read: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Game 4 (06/13): Box score, player stats, game summary and more For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam led the team with 20 points, while Haliburton added 18 but struggled from deep. Indiana's 15 turnovers and 27 fouls proved too much to overcome. While fans stayed locked into the action on the court, Smith's quick game of Solitaire ended up being the unexpected headline of the night.
