Insider Reveals Big Question Coming from Maple Leafs to Mitch Marner
A week after their season ended, the Maple Leafs will turn the page and prepare for next season, beginning with a franchise altering conversation with Mitch Marner.
Marner is expected to test free agency on July 1st after yet another disappointing post-season for he and the Maple Leafs that culminated with a 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 last Sunday.
Mitch Marner Was Highly Emotional As Game 7 Ended And A Recent Video Captured His Reaction In The Moment
As the clock ticked down in that Game 7 loss, Marner was captured on video going through a wave of emotions.
After collecting himself on the bench for a moment before joining his teammates on the ice one final time, the former first-round pick appeared to be taking in his possible final moments in the blue and white.
When the Leafs spoke to the media a few days later, his comments seemed to indicate that may well have been his last time wearing a Leafs jersey.
The Maple Leafs Are Expected To Ask Mitch Marner A Very Important Question
With GM Brad Treliving returning from a weekend with his family, he is expected to get straight to business this week according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on Monday's '32 Thoughts' podcast. Aside from a new deal for Matthew Knies, which is reportedly a priority, Friedman revealed the Leafs will be holding a conversation with Marner and his camp to gain some clarity on his situation.
"I think, first of all, the Maple Leafs are going to ask for clarity," Friedman said. "Just where is this going? Is it 100% you are testing free agency on July 1st? Or is there any conversation that can be had here? And that's what I think they'll do, is they'll ask that first and see what the answer is, and go from there."
Leafs head coach Craig Berube would like to see Marner return, while most of Leafs Nation wants him gone.
Whatever decision Marner makes, it will certainly be scrutinized -- especially if he ends up taking $14M per season from a team in a quieter market.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
MAI 26 | 4221 ANSWERS Insider Reveals Big Question Coming from Maple Leafs to Mitch Marner When will the Leafs and Marner make a decision on their futures? | ||
| At the draft | 481 | 11.4 % |
| Before the draft | 1156 | 27.4 % |
| Night before free agency | 1797 | 42.6 % |
| Other | 787 | 18.6 % |
| List of polls | ||