“Maple Leafs’ $65 million forward more likely to leave than re-sign, insider suggests
Insider Chris Johnston predicts that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner is more inclined to depart in free agency than to extend his contract.
Entering the final year of a $65.4 million deal, Marner has been the focus of trade rumors but remains with the team as the new season approaches.
Johnston speculates that Marner is leaning towards testing free agency rather than committing to an extension in Toronto.
“If we were setting betting lines now, the favorite would be he walks as a free agent, followed by re-signing, and then a trade,” Johnston commented on the SDPN podcast on July 8.
He also suggested that both sides might find it mutually beneficial to part ways, indicating uncertainty over whether Marner will be offered the opportunity to stay.
If Marner does depart without a trade, it would be seen as a significant misstep by the Maple Leafs’ front office, given his status as one of the NHL’s top players.
Despite the speculation, Marner has expressed his desire to remain with Toronto, emphasizing his love for the city and the team that drafted him fourth overall in 2015.
The Maple Leafs recently hired Craig Berube as their new head coach, who expressed enthusiasm about coaching Marner, citing the forward’s skill and potential contribution to the team.”