Brad Treliving is blocking out the noise and unsubstantiated reports about Mitch Marner

In the absence of hard news and genuine reporting, we’re in a media economy that often relies on pumping carcinogens into the atmosphere in lieu of real journalism. This element shouldn’t be lost on reporters and frankly, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving doesn’t have time for unsubstantiated rumours surrounding star winger Mitch Marner.

The Leafs Nation is electing not to give an unsubstantiated rumour much credence but a non-credentialed, wannabe reporter made up a rumour saying the Maple Leafs struck a deal with the Utah Hockey Club to trade Marner. It caught fire on the internet, even though there was no element of truth and the rumourmonger in question had never broken a story before.

“I’d caution us to not pay too much attention to some of the noise. We can’t react to all of the noise. Mitch knows how I feel about him as a player,” Treliving said of Marner via The Athletic’s Chris Johnston.

Marner has subject to rampant trade speculation despite holding a no-movement clause, while becoming extension-eligible on July 1. He has reiterated several times, including during his end-of-year media availability that he has no desire to leave the Maple Leafs, desperately aiming to win a Stanley Cup for his boyhood club.

“I’m not going to speculate. I didn’t see what’s reported today. I’m sure there’ll be reports tomorrow. But I’m not going to get into all that,” Treliving said. “I’m just going to come back to what I said. Great player. We’re just going to continue along to try and make our team better.”

Treliving also told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun that he’s considering virtually every free-agent defence target and hasn’t closed any doors. It was previously reported Wednesday by The Athletic that the Maple Leafs are prioritizing Chris Tanev.

This media session effectively served as an update going into Friday’s first round of the 2024 NHL Draft and Treliving said the Maple Leafs are more than likely to keep the No. 23 overall pick. Last year, Toronto selected Easton Cowan with the No. 28 overall pick, which was considered a consensus surprise. A year later, Cowan emerged as one of the brightest stars in junior hockey and will readily compete for a roster spot this fall.

Unsubstantiated rumours and making up false reports about a star NHL player is a surefire way for no one to take you seriously. Brad Treliving, Mitch Marner and the Maple Leafs don’t have time for it, and frankly, nor should you!