David Pagnotta discloses Toronto Maple Leafs' true reaction on Mitch Marner to Utah HC trade rumors

Rumors were swirling around about the Toronto Maple Leafs potentially trading their star winger, Mitch Marner, to the newly formed Utah Hockey Club. The speculation originated from an account associated with the New York Herald.

The report suggested that Marner's tenure in Toronto was coming to an end and that an official announcement was on the horizon. The rumor spread like wildfire within the NHL community, but it lacked validation from reputable insiders, leaving fans and analysts skeptical about its credibility.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period recently appeared on the 'Leafs Morning Take' show to discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs' honest reaction to the rumor. He said:

"Honestly. So these kinds of things, when they start taking a life of their own and they get like several 100, retweets and repost whatever the hell they're called. The Leafs were pissed. They were genuinely, genuinely upset. I spoke to a couple people within front office and they were not happy at all about it."

Although there's uncertainty surrounding Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs and speculation about a possible trade, there are currently no confirmed plans for him to move to Utah.

The situation is evolving, especially with the NHL Draft and free agency looming, adding more variables to the equation.

"I think the Leafs are listening": Insider sheds more light on Marner's situation with the Toronto Maple Leafs

The situation with Marner is quite dynamic and uncertain. According to Pagnotta, the Leafs are exploring various options for him and need to determine the realistic possibilities and have a discussion to find a suitable solution.

"I think the Leafs are listening. I think there's an understanding as to where, where are the realistic options for Mitch if he's gonna go anywhere. He's gonna wait, where are the realistic options, so the Leafs got to figure that out, have those discussions if they get something they think they like. Then they'll go to Mitch and Darren," Pagnotta said.

Pagnotta reckons that Mitch Marner won't be heading to San Jose. He said that there are several teams in the mix, with around four specific ones that Marner might consider.

"I do believe he's not going to San Jose. There are a few teams. And I don't know the exact number. I don't know if there is a specific number. I believe there are four teams that he would go to. I think there's a few more. But it all comes down to what Treliving and the staff are going to pull off," he added.

Ultimately, the final decision will depend on what Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving can work out. It's a developing situation, and it will be intriguing to see how it all unfolds in the coming days.