TORONTO — After months of speculation, rumors, and non-stop chatter in hockey circles, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has finally broken his silence and made it official: Mitch Marner will remain a Maple Leaf — at least for now — as the team heads into the crucial 2025 free agency period.
The long-anticipated statement from Treliving came during a press conference held at Scotiabank Arena earlier today, where he addressed the media head-on about the direction of the franchise, especially concerning its most scrutinized core player.
“Mitch is a Toronto Maple Leaf today, and our plan is to continue building around his elite talent,” Treliving declared. “There’s been a lot of noise this summer, but we believe in Mitch, and more importantly, we believe in what this group can still achieve together.”
Marner, 28, has been a lightning rod for criticism during the Leafs’ repeated postseason failures, and with just one year remaining on his current deal, trade rumors swirled for months. But Treliving made it clear that unless the team is blown away by an offer, Marner is staying put.
“We’re not in the business of making emotional trades,” Treliving added. “We’re focused on value, fit, and what helps us win a Stanley Cup. Mitch has been a top producer for us — one of the best two-way forwards in the league — and we’re not going to forget that.”
Marner’s camp, led by veteran agent Darren Ferris, has reportedly been in ongoing dialogue with Maple Leafs brass, although no formal extension talks have started. A no-movement clause gives Marner full control over his future, but according to multiple sources close to the situation, he remains open to re-signing in Toronto if the team’s vision aligns with his long-term goals.
While the Leafs remain quiet on what kind of offer might eventually be presented, league insiders say any extension for Marner could command north of $12 million annually. That creates a tightrope walk for Toronto, who must also juggle future deals for cornerstone defenseman Morgan Rielly and emerging star goaltender Joseph Woll.
Nevertheless, Treliving’s message was firm: the team is not interested in panic moves.
“This market is passionate, and I love that,” Treliving said. “But we’re not going to tear down a world-class talent unless it’s part of a bigger picture that clearly makes us better. Right now, Mitch is part of that picture.”
With training camp just a few months away and Marner’s future still not fully cemented, the spotlight will only intensify. But for now, Leafs fans can breathe a little easier. Mitch Marner is still a Maple Leaf — and Brad Treliving isn’t ready to change that anytime soon.