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.