According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, Toronto explored a possible trade with the Carolina Hurricanes involving Marner and Canes forward Mikko Rantanen, but the Leafs winger refused to waive his no-move clause, effectively vetoing the move.

Mitch Marner has been groomed for the hockey spotlight for most of his life. The 27-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs sniper has recently seized the opportunity to elevate his game from solid and above-average to being mentioned alongside the best in the NHL.

Mitch Marner tried his best to stick to the script when facing questions about his future with the Maple Leafs Saturday night.