Insider Buzz: Marner's Maple Leafs Loyalty Hanging by Thin Ice – What Are His Real Options?
As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for yet another playoff run, one of the burning questions on every fan’s mind, including mine, revolves around the team’s star player, Mitch Marner. Here’s a guy who’s not just talented, a virtuoso on the ice, consistently racking up points and electrifying moments for the Leafs. But let’s dive into what might actually happen as his contract approaches its crucial juncture.
Mitch Marner, the Leafs’ own showstopper and impending UFA (Unrestricted Free Agent), has been the toast of the town, especially as his scoring feats propel him towards a possible 100-point season. Now, the real drama unfolds off the ice: Will he re-sign with Toronto, or will he hit free agency? Here’s what some astute hockey minds think:
James Duthie, when quizzing a panel of experts, poses this question to Jeff O’Neill: “The likelihood of this season’s MVP, Mitch Marner, staying put with the Leafs? We’ve seen this movie before, but it’s definitely worth a sequel now that he’s on the cusp of a century in points. What’s your take?”
O’Neill, not one to mince words, goes, “I’m gonna say 40%. Realism, folks. Yes, he’s the best in the business for us and will soon tickle the 100-point mark But what good does it do if we’ve caught playoff blues again? It’s not a knock on Mitch per se – he’s phenomenal, and someone will definitely want him on their roster. Yet, if he can’t clinch the big wins, what’s the point in the Leafs keeping him?”
On the other hand, Carlo Colaiacovo is quite chipper about it: “I’m thinking 80% on this. He’s a Toronto kid, and the Leafs can table an offer with an extra year and more bucks than anyone else. His love for
What is the likelihood of Mitch Marner re-signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs?
TSN: Jeff O’Neill, Carlo Colaiacovo, and Bob McKenzie when asked what the likelihood is of Mitch Marner re-signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
James Duthie: “The likelihood of Toronto’s uncontested, 24-25 team MVP and impending UFA Mitch Marner re-signing with the Leafs? I think we’ve done this before. So it’s an update, as he’s on the verge of 100. 40% 60% 80% 100%. What are you thinking (Jeff O’Neill)?”
O’Neill: “I’m gonna say 40% and for all the people out there, that are like, ‘he’s their best player. He’s going to get 100 points. You have to bring them back.’
I’ve been saying it all year long, if the team does not have team success in the playoffs, then what’s the sense of bringing all the players back? This is nothing against Mitch Marner. He’s a fantastic player. Someone’s going to pay him, but if he can’t win, and what’s the sense of bringing everybody back?”
Colaiacovo: “Yeah, I’m high on this. I’m going 80% on this because it’s the Toronto Maple Leafs. They get to offer him the eighth year. They get to offer him the most money. He’s a hometown kid. I can’t see him playing anywhere but the Maple Leafs. He loves playing here. He’s one of their best players, and I don’t think they risk losing him for nothing. That’s why I’m high on this.”
Duthie: “All right. Bob McKenzie?”
McKenzie: “I will say 40%. And I mean, you talk about the Leafs side of it, whether they bring them back or not. There’s the Mitch Martin side of it. That’s what free agency is all about. It’s become abundantly clear he is taking himself to July 1st, to free agency.
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Would have signed a contract before if you wanted to. He doesn’t want to. He’s going to see what’s out there. If Steven Stamkos got right to the precipice and still ended up back in Tampa. So could that happen with Mitch in Toronto? Yeah, it could. But you know what, situations change. He’s going to be a dad any day, and we’ll see how things play out in the playoffs and just wear his heads at in July”
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