Avalanche divisional rival under a lot of heat after shocking accusations of tampering
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie / Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs could potentially accuse the Vegas Golden Knights of tampering.
As the second day of the 2025 NHL Draft progressed, reports surfaced of a potential blockbuster trade between the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights involving pending UFA Mitch Marner.
Avalanche divisional rival under a lot of heat after shocking accusation.
Nick Horwat from Breakaway On Si writes that Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman was the first ro report that the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights were engaged in discussions surrounding a potential sign-and-trade deal involving star free agent Mitch Marner.
In an update shared on the 32 Thoughts Podcas, Friedman noted that if a sign-and-trade deal doesn't materialize and Marner ends up signing directly with Vegas, the Maple Leafs might consider filing a tampering complaint against the Golden Knights.
«There's been some talk that if Marner goes to Vegas, the Maple Leafs will go after Vegas for tampering. I have no proof that Vegas is guilty of anything, but it's a time around the league where teams are extremely sensitive about it. A couple of GMs told me the NHL is itching to make an example out of someone.» -Friedman
Friedman emphasized that he has no concrete evidence of tampering, but noted that finalizing an official deal with the Maple Leafs would effectively silence any speculation or accusations potential tampering.
«I'm going to stress, I don't have any proof that Vegas is guilty of anything. But, if they make a deal with Toronto, and send a good player or two to Toronto, I'm betting any chance the Maple Leafs filing for tampering goes away.» -Friedman
The Golden Knights are clearly setting their sights on the top name in this year's free agent class and appear ready to act quickly in order to secure Marner before he officially hits the open market on July 1.
«Getting to Marner faster, clearing cap space, Toronto gets good players, and eliminating any possibility of any tampering investigation, which is being whispered everywhere around the league. All that goes away if this deal gets done. We'll see.» -Friedman
The NHL has previously made it clear that it intends to take a tougher stance on tampering, particularly during the lead-up to free agency. Under league rules, teams are not permitted to contact or sign unrestricted free agents until a specific window opens on July 1.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 29 | 20 ANSWERS Avalanche divisional rival under a lot of heat after shocking accusations of tampering Do you think Mitch Marner becomes a Golden Knight on July 1? | ||
| yes | 17 | 85 % |
| no | 3 | 15 % |
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