Speculation about Mitch Marner’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs remains a hot topic and is unlikely to fade until after the NHL trade deadline on March 7. However, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that the star forward has no plans to waive his no-trade clause before the season ends, effectively shutting down any potential deals.

Speaking on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio (via NHL Rumors), Friedman emphasized that while teams may show interest, Marner has full control over his situation due to his no-move clause and is committed to staying in Toronto. “I don’t think Marner has any intention of moving in-season,” Friedman stated. “If it wasn’t happening last summer, I don’t think it’s happening now.”

Trade discussions involving Marner picked up steam after the Carolina Hurricanes made a blockbuster move for Mikko Rantanen last Friday. According to Frank Seravalli, Carolina explored multiple high-profile targets, including Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, before landing Rantanen. Surprisingly, Seravalli suggested that the Hurricanes “at least inquired” about Marner during the process. However, it remains unclear how serious those discussions were or whether Marner would have considered Carolina as a destination.

Unlike Rantanen, who had only a partial no-trade clause, Marner holds a full no-move clause, meaning he has the final say on any trade. Even if the Maple Leafs wanted to make a move, there is no indication Marner would approve it.

Marner, 27, is in the final year of his six-year, $65.4 million contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. So far this season, he has tallied 68 points (15 goals, 53 assists) in 51 games. Toronto currently sits second in the Atlantic Division with a 30-19-2 record, just one point behind the Florida Panthers, though the Leafs have a game in hand over the reigning champions.