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. 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.
