UPDATE: Maple Leafs are determined to trade a forward with a $65 million contract before July 1.”

The Toronto Maple Leafs are aiming to trade Mitch Marner before July 1st.

Mitch Marner has been at the center of trade speculation since the Toronto Maple Leafs were knocked out in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Boston Bruins. Entering the final year of his six-year, $65.4 million contract, Marner has been linked with several teams. However, his full no-movement clause means he has the final say in any potential trade.

According to insider Frank Seravalli, speaking on Sportsnet 590 The Fan on June 24, the Maple Leafs are actively looking to trade Marner before July 1st. This urgency is driven by the impending opening of free agency and the team’s need to plan their roster and salary cap accordingly for the upcoming season.

Seravalli emphasized that while the Maple Leafs are keen to move Marner, ultimately, his willingness to accept a trade will be a critical factor. The situation is complicated by Toronto’s stance that they will not offer Marner a contract extension, viewing him as an asset they may lose for nothing if not traded now.

Despite Marner’s expressed desire to stay with the Maple Leafs, citing his love for Toronto where he grew up as a fan, Seravalli believes the team’s decision not to extend him makes a trade increasingly likely. This scenario sets the stage for what could be a pivotal week leading up to July 1st in the NHL trading landscape.