NHL News: Maple Leafs could miss out on Marner extension due to stance of Predators star

The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the verge of losing Mitch Marner for the 2025–26 NHL season, following reports that the forward is expected to test free agency in search of a new destination. The relationship between the 28-year-old star and the franchise is broken; however, a potential trade with the Nashville Predators had offered a possible way out of the situation.

The contract signed by Marner in 2019 is coming to an end, and the Maple Leafs are beginning to accept it. The hunger for a rebuild after disappointing results has pushed the Toronto franchise to pursue a new direction in key areas like the offense. A trade attempt once seemed like an elegant way out of the situation, until now.

Toronto’s goal was to avoid losing Marner for nothing in free agency after failing to create the conditions for a contract extension worth between $12 and $14 million per year. Marner, who played alongside star Auston Matthews on the front line (and is believed to have a strained relationship with him), now appears unlikely to re-sign following an apparently firm stance by a Predators star.

Which Nashville player will stay with the team?

According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, star Jonathan Marchessault “is probably staying in Nashville for now unless they get blown away by an offer,” narrowing the chances of a trade between Toronto and Nashville.

Jonathan Marchessault of the Predators

Marchessault’s position frustrates any possibility of sending Marner to Nashville in exchange for the 34-year-old forward possibly continuing his career in Toronto. All signs now point to the Maple Leafs star moving on soon, bringing an end to a long chapter with Matthews’ team.

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NHL News: Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs set to pursue a key Matthew Tkachuk teammate from the Panthers

Marner’s possible landing spots

There are many potential outcomes for Marner as he approaches free agency. The Maple Leafs forward is on the radar of the Vegas Golden Knights, the Los Angeles Kings, and most recently, the Carolina Hurricanes, who have reportedly shown interest and could use their significant cap space to make a deal happen.