A Startling Realization Regarding Mitch Marner's Contract Standoff with the Maple Leafs

Two weekends ago, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman revealed that Mitch Marner was asked to waive his no-movement clause ahead of the trade deadline as the Leafs attempted to acquire Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes.

On Saturday, during his typical 'Saturday Headlines' segment between periods, Friedman revealed that the Florida Panthers and pending free agent Sam Bennett have re-engaged in extension talks.

What does that have to do with Marner you ask? Well, Marner and Bennett are both represented by the same agent, Darren Ferris. While Ferris is known for taking his clents to free agency to get the biggest contract possible, the fact that he has re-engaged in extension talks with Florida on behalf of Bennett means that if Marner really wanted to negotiate a new deal during the season, he could.

As much as Brad Treliving wants Marner to remain a Leaf, many believe that his future in Toronto depends on how deep the Leafs go in the playoffs. While that may be the case, the Leafs have continued to attempt to lock in the star forward to a long-term deal throughout the season.

If Bennett signs an extension with the Panthers before free agency, it will certainly reveal just how much Marner values the dollar amount compared to being a Leaf. If it's purely about the money for the hometown kid, perhaps it's time to move on.