![NHL – Mitch Marner reportedly does not want to be traded by Maple Leafs, would prefer to become UFA next summer NHL – Mitch Marner reportedly does not want to be traded by Maple Leafs, would prefer to become UFA next summer](https://i0.wp.com/russianmachineneverbreaks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/mitch-marner-toronto-press.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&original)
Mitch Marner He has been rumored to be leaving Toronto since just days after the Maple Leafs were eliminated in the first round of this year’s playoffs. But Marner seems to have other ideas about any move.
According to Sportsnet’s Justin Bourne, Marner currently plans to remain in Toronto for the final year remaining on his current contract. The 27-year-old winger has a full no-movement clause in his contract, allowing him to have full control of his destiny for the 2024-25 season.
“The only way it would make sense to do anything other than (stay in Toronto) is if he can go exactly where he would have chosen (in free agency) right away anyway, in a trade and with the extension he wants.” Bourne writes. “That way he wouldn’t have to endure a hellish year under the microscope in Toronto and start his ‘claim tour’ a little earlier.
“But as difficult as it is, make no mistake: the motto in the Marner team’s head is to stay, play and go to UFA.”
Marner, the team’s first-round pick in the 2015 Draft, is the only member of the team’s core outside of veteran John Tavares who did not sign a long-term extension with Toronto, considered by those in the know the most likely. be in motion.
The Ontario native had another productive season for the Maple Leafs, racking up 85 points (26g, 59a) in 69 games. However, Marner’s playoff production lagged compared to previous years, as he managed to score just three points (1g, 2a) in seven games.
Marner’s current deal allows him to pay just over $10.9 million against the salary cap. He will be eligible for extension talks this summer and will most likely receive a raise despite how his 2023-24 season ended. However, according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Marner does not want to talk about an extension until the fall at the earliest.
“Marner’s goal is to play out the remaining year on his contract and see where things go from there,” LeBrun writes.
If Marner refuses to move in a trade, Toronto will probably want to try to extend him rather than lose him for nothing in free agency. The talented striker was spotted having coffee with new head coach Craig Berube just over a week ago.
Marner ranks sixth in the NHL in assists (445) and 10th in overall points (639) since his 2016-17 rookie campaign. He is third among wingers in assists, behind only Nikita Kucherov (472) and Artemi Panarin (469).
The Maple Leafs also have other off-season matters to take care of in the meantime. Tavares is also eligible for a potential extension, two young restricted free agents, Nicholas Robertson and Timothy Liljegren, need new contracts, and key contributors like Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi are set to become UFAs.
According to LeBrun, there is also mutual interest in the return of durable rear guard Joel Edmundson. Toronto acquired Edmundson from the Washington Capitals at this year’s trade deadline in exchange for two draft picks. Edmundson recorded one assist in 16 combined regular season and playoff games for the Maple Leafs.
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