Leafs completely turn on Mitch Marner, now planning new course of action

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Sam Jones
June 17, 2024 (3:22 PM)

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The buzz around Mitch Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs has taken a new turn. According to TSN Radio's Darren Dreger.

There's growing sentiment within the team's management that extending Marner might be a more favorable option than trading him. "I believe, based on people that I talk to, Marner's preference is to play out his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs . . . And are we so sure that Toronto doesn't want to extend Mitch? I'm not, I think Treliving would rather extend than trade," Dreger stated on the air.

I believe, based on people that I talk to, Marner's preference is to play out his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs . . . And are we so sure that Toronto doesn't want to extend Mitch? I'm not, I think Treliving would rather extend than trade.

This offseason has been rife with speculation over potential changes to the Leafs' core lineup, particularly after another disappointing playoff run. Trade rumors surrounding Marner began to circulate soon after the team's elimination. However, recent reports suggest that an extension is becoming a more likely scenario. Chris Johnston, another respected insider, also noted that keeping Marner seems to be the preferred outcome for Toronto.

If the Leafs have explored the trade market only to find lackluster offers for Marner, it stands to reason they would pivot towards negotiation. Marner's last contract negotiation was notably contentious, culminating in a deal that many feel he has not lived up to, particularly during crucial playoff moments. Any new agreement would likely need to see Marner's salary adjusted from its current $10.93M mark.

The possibility of Marner remaining with the Leafs poses a significant question for the team's strategy moving forward. If Toronto returns next season with a roster nearly identical to this year's, they risk alienating a fanbase weary of repeated postseason failures. For eight consecutive years, the team has shown regular season prowess only to falter when it matters most. With only superficial changes like coaching adjustments, skepticism runs high regarding the roster's ability to secure a championship.

As the Leafs weigh their options, the debate continues: extend Marner's tenure or trade him for fresh assets? Either decision will send a clear message about the franchise's direction and its commitment to breaking its playoff curse.