Prominent NHL insiders share vital update on Mitch Marner's future in Toronto and it appears over
Photo credit: NHL
The Toronto Maple Leafs are buckling up for the Battle of Ontario in round 1 against the Ottawa Senators on Sunday, but there is one major distraction amongst the team as Mitch Marner is a pending unrestricted free agent come July 1.
Speculation contonues to arise over Mitch Marner's long-term future in Toronto following his career-best regular season of 102-points ending just days ago.
Marner is just the fourth player in Leafs history to reach the century mark.
The 27-year old forward has remained quite quiet about his contract negotiations and willingness to stay with the franchise all year.
«I'm here to just play hockey. It's a business out there. I know what's going on.»
This past Wednesday, TSN's NHL insider panel featuring prominent NHL insiders such as Jeff O'Neill, Bob McKenzie and former Maple Leaf Carlo Colaiacovo gave their insight on where things will be heading this summer.
O'Neill certainly did not shy away on Marner's potential departure from Toronto.
«I'm gonna say 40 percent,» O'Neill said. «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, then what's the point in bringing everybody back?»
"This is nothing against Mitch Marner-he's a fantastic player. Someone's going to pay him, but if he can't win, then what's the point in bringing everybody back?»
Colaiacovo on the other hand was a little more optimistic.
«I'm high on this, I'm going 80 percent,» Colaiacovo said. «They are the 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 there. 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.»
"He's a hometown kid. I can't see him playing anywhere but the Maple Leafs. He loves playing there. 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.»
The best take was saved for last, as McKenzie shared his insight and believes that Mitch Marner is already eyeing the open market.
«I'd say 40 percent,» McKenzie said. »There's the Mitch Marner 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.
»Would have signed a contract before if he wanted to? He doesn't want to, he's going to see what's out there. Could (returning after getting to market) happen with Mitch in Toronto? Yeah, it could. But you know what? Situations change.»
»Would have signed a contract before if he wanted to? He doesn't want to, he's going to see what's out there. Could (returning after getting to market) happen with Mitch in Toronto? Yeah, it could. But you know what? Situations change.»
This was not the first time TSN unveiled vital news in Mitch Marner's future in Toronto, after a recent interview conducted left an insider more certain about his departure.
With certainly adds an extra layer of exitement to rumors of Mitch Marner's signing with the Blackhawks.
The Maple Leafs now hit with a bold distraction heading into round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and an important one as the renowned 'core four' of the team could be seperated if playoff success is once again not achieved.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 19 | 524 ANSWERS Prominent NHL insiders share vital update on Mitch Marner's future in Toronto and it appears over Do you think Mitch Marner should leave the Maple Leafs this off-season? | ||
| Yes | 329 | 62.8 % |
| No | 195 | 37.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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