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NHL Insider Reveals Maple Leafs' Plan B If They Cannot Sign Mitch Marner to an Extension

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Mike Armenti
May 27, 2025 (10:50)

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TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston has revealed the Maple Leafs' back-up plan in the event that they cannot extend Mitch Marner by the week leading up to free agency.

In the final moments of Game 7 between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mitch Marner was captured on camera looking like he had played his final game as a Maple Leaf.

Fast forward just over a week and things appear to be no closer to a resolution for the Leafs and Marner, who appear destined to part ways on July 1st -- or perhaps sooner, as TSN's Chris Johnston mentioned on Tuesday morning during an appearance on TSN 1050's First Up.

According to Johnston, while the Leafs still have 5 weeks of control left with Marner, the team could explore trading his rights in the final week leading up to free agency.

"There's still 5 weeks where [Marner] is the property of the Maple Leafs. They control his rights and I'm sure they're going to use that time to at least engage in more conversations, see where things are at and maybe, ultimately, we're talking about them trading his rights at some point.

I mean, I think that's premature to look at that. That's usually something that happens in the last week or so before July 1st, but I'm sure there's going to be some conversations between then and now.

I don't think he came this far playing out his contract year to sign a new deal now. I just think he's of the mind to at least look at the open market."

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The Maple Leafs May Already Be Eyeing Mitch Marner's Potential Replacement

The Maple Leafs have limited options available on the open market to try to replace Marner in free agency, but may be eyeing New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider, according to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta.

While Marner's future in Toronto remains in doubt, there is at least positive to consider, as the Leafs appear to have opened up contract talks with budding, young star Matthew Knies.

In addition, the Leafs and former captain John Tavares have also had positive talks, though the sticking point in any deal with Tavares will come down to the salary and duration of his contract.

Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily

Insider Reveals Pair of Teams Maple Leafs Mitch Marner Is Interested Playing For

Craig Berube Not a Fan of How the Maple Leafs Have Kicked Off Their Summer of Change

Insider Shares Exciting Development Between Matthew Knies and the Maple Leafs

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MAI 27 \| 5075 ANSWERS NHL Insider Reveals Maple Leafs' Plan B If They Cannot Sign Mitch Marner to an Extension Do you think the Leafs should trade Mitch Marner's negotiating rights?
Yes	3906	77 %
No	1169	23 %
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NHL Insider Reveals Maple Leafs' Plan B If They Cannot Sign Mitch Marner to an Extension

TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston has revealed the Maple Leafs' back-up plan in the event that they cannot extend Mitch Marner by the week leading up to free agency.

The Maple Leafs May Already Be Eyeing Mitch Marner's Potential Replacement

Do you think the Leafs should trade Mitch Marner's negotiating rights?