NHL Insider Expresses Maple Leafs Could File for ‘Tampering’ if Mitch Marner Goes to Golden Knights

Mitch Marner has been part of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization since the 2016-17 season and has 771 points in 657 regular-season games with them.

NHL Insider Expresses Maple Leafs Could File for ‘Tampering’ if Mitch Marner Goes to Golden Knights

Mitch Marner (Image via Toronto Star)

As the month of June comes to an end, there have been a lot of eyes on the future of Mitch Marner. As per the latest reports, an NHL insider has expressed that the Toronto Maple Leafs could go and file for ‘tampering‘ if Marner goes to the Vegas Golden Knights on July 1.

Marner has been one of the top names who will become an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) once his contract comes to an end. The Canadian international had signed a 6-year deal in 2019 with the Maple Leafs.

The forward star, though, has so far not signed a contract extension with the Leafs. On July 1, he will officially become a UFA and will be allowed to speak with any team. Recently, there have been reports that the Maple Leafs and the Golden Knights were in discussions of a sign-and-trade for Marner.

However, as per NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on the ’32 Thoughts’ podcast, there have been talks that if Marner goes to the Golden Knights, the Maple Leafs will go to the NHL and file for tampering. Technically, the 28-year-old is still under the contract of his hometown team.

I’m not passing any judgment here on guilty or not guilty of tampering. I have no idea. There’s been some talk that if Marner goes to Vegas, the Maple Leafs will go after Vegas for tampering.

The insider also claimed that some General Managers (GMs) believe that the league is “itching” to trying to make an example out of someone.

A few weeks ago, there had been reports that Marner would not be returning to Toronto next season. As per insider Andy Strickland, the player will be suiting up for a new team in the 2025-26 season and end his tenure with the Maple Leafs.

The Maple Leafs did try to trade him earlier in the season. Near the trade deadline, the team was willing to give him away in exchange for Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes. However, Marner would use his no-trade clause and block the move.

The team would also then try to offer him a contract that would have been the biggest in franchise history. However, he would turn down this offer as well.

What possible penalties could Mitch Marner and Vegas Golden Knights face if Toronto Maple Leafs file for tampering?

Mitch Marner‘s future has taken a massive turn at the moment. As per reports, the Toronto Maple Leafs could file for tampering against the Vegas Golden Knights if they do not agree for a trade. What are the possible penalties the parties could face if there is a case of tampering?

Mitch Marner
Mitch Marner (Image via Imago)

Tampering is considered a serious offense in the NHL. The direct violation of this rules could make things ugly for both Marner and the Golden Knights.

As per X account @PuckReportNHL, if found guilty of tampering, the Golden Knights could be fined about $5 million. They would also be forced to forfeit draft picks, and Marner’s contract will be voided. As for the player himself, he could be fined around $1 million and face potential suspension or expulsion from the league.

Only time will tell what will happen with Marner and the Maple Leafs. The forward has been part of the organization since the 2016-17 season. In the 9 seasons with the team, Marner scored 221 goals and provided 520 assists (771 points) in 657 regular-season games. Along with Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares, Marner formed the ‘Core 4‘ of the team.

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