The Vegas Golden Knights could very well be one of the teams in on Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner this summer according to Elliotte Friedman.
The insider was discussing the Leafs situation with Marner when he brought up the Golden Knights. He noted that this is the exact kind of move the team has become known for, and they very well could work out a deal for the Leafs superstar. Two players he specifically mentioned that could be going the other way are defenseman Shea Theodore and goaltender Logan Thompson.
«One of the things with Marner is that a lot of people suspect that Vegas will be around it. Because Vegas is just smart, they are around any good player. So I got people hypothesizing Shea Theodore and Logan Thompson deals to me, for example.»- Elliotte Friedman
The Leafs and Marner have entered somewhat of a stalemate this summer as the team is believed to be looking to trade him. However, Marner holds a full no-trade clause, so he has a lot of leverage in the situation. That being said, Marner appears to be softening his stance about a trade, as he has reportedly given the Leafs an idea of what teams he would be willing to go to, according to David Pagnotta.
"Things remain the same on the Mitch Marner situation as of now, but the Leafs do have an idea of where he would consider being traded to."
This move could very well be in response to a previous report on the situation coming from the Leafs camp. NHL insider Frank Serravalli reported just yesterday that the Leafs will likely attempt to force Marner into a corner by saying that one way or another his time in Toronto will be over soon.
Frank Seravalli doubles down on his Mitch Marner take:
"I think the Leafs are going to make a play and basically back him into a corner over the next three weeks, saying, 'Mitch, it's been great, but we're moving on. So whether it's now or eight months from now, your time's up.'"
#leafsforever
Hopefully this situation does not devolve into a bitter affair. Be sure to stay tuned to the situation as new updates come out on a near daily basis.