Mitch Marner is being closely monitored by the Carolina Hurricanes ahead of his imminent departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2025–26 NHL season. However, an obstacle may stand in the way of that pursuit.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are likely to look very different once next season kicks off. With multiple key players entering free agency, Toronto's roster is likely to lose some talent. The biggest piece is star forward Mitch Marner,

Prior to the trade deadline, the Maple Leafs, Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes discussed a trade that would have sent Marner to Vegas and Rantanen to Toronto, according to James Mirtle of The Athletic. However, that deal fell through when Vegas and Carolina failed to "find the right assets to include to get it done."