DENVER — Mitch Marner addressed reports the Toronto Maple Leafs asked the star winger to waive his no-movement clause and accept a trade to the Carolina Hurricanes, indicating he wasn’t surprised and that he “had a feeling something might happen.”

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ attempt to trade Mitch Marner at the deadline has left the star winger at a crossroads, with free agency looming and no contract extension signed. With his deal set to expire after next season and no extension in place,

Before the Carolina Hurricanes traded Mikko Rantanen to the Dallas Stars, they apparently had conversations with the Toronto Maple Leafs surrounding winger Mitch Marner.

The Maple Leafs GM said he is "aligned” with Marner amid the latest speculation about the star winger's future in Toronto.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner addressed trade rumors for the first time following the deadline, responding to reports that the franchise considered dealing him to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Mikko Rantanen.

Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner could've gone to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday ahead of the NHL's trade deadline. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Hurricanes "initially asked" for Marner in return for the Rantanen, and although Toronto considered it, they'd rather try to sign Marner long-term.

Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman on the Mitch Marner situation in Toronto, what happened with the Carolina Hurricanes and how things could play out. Ron MacLean: “Mitchell Marner.”

Mitch Marner scored the deciding goal in the shootout and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Utah Hockey Club 4-3

The front office has already decided to make Marner a lifetime Leaf, and Marner has stated repeatedly he wants to remain in Toronto.

Following the team’s first game after the deadline, a 7-4 defeat at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche, Marner was asked directly about being a Maple Leafs player next season.

After the conclusion of a wild end to the NHL Trade Deadline season, one of the more notable discussions surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs is the contract situation surrounding star forward Mitch Marner.