Mitch Marner made it clear throughout his media availability on Wednesday that he gained’t be discussing his expiring contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. “I’m not right here to speak about that. I’m right here to speak in regards to the season,” Marner mentioned definitively, shutting down any hypothesis about his future with the Leafs.
Regardless of being within the closing yr of his $10.903 million contract, Marner wished to deal with the upcoming season and said that contract talks could be dealt with by his agent, Darren Ferris, and basic supervisor Brad Treliving.
Marner’s choice to sidestep contract discuss is strategic, as he believes it’s a distraction that his reps can deal with and he doesn’t want as he tries to show he’s value each penny he’s asking for. That doesn’t imply he’s shutting down talks utterly. Elliotte Friedman famous that whereas some gamers refuse to interact in contract talks as soon as the season begins, Marner isn’t in that group. He solely desires to be concerned if completely crucial, however he’s open to signing throughout the yr.
What Is Marner Going to Get Paid? And Will The Maple Leafs Pay It?
Final season, Marner had 26 targets and 85 factors in 69 video games, however confronted criticism for his playoff efficiency, the place he managed only one aim in seven video games throughout the Leafs’ first-round exit. Nonetheless, he’s been receiving excessive reward from some actually distinguished individuals. Amongst them, Auston Matthews rallied round him on Wednesday, saying, “He’s had an amazing summer season and is targeted. We’re all right here to assist him.”
Stars like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon have praised Marner as top-of-the-line within the sport, with McDavid calling him a “nice participant” and MacKinnon noting the unfair criticism he typically faces in Toronto.
All of that is going so as to add as much as a pleasant payday for Marner. It’s only a matter of whether or not it’s the Maple Leafs who resolve to pay him or another person. If that is Marner’s final season with the Maple Leafs, he’ll undoubtedly appeal to curiosity from across the league.
The Maple Leafs will hope Marner’s contract scenario stays within the background however that issues transfer alongside peacefully and positively. They need this deal to get accomplished and it not be a distraction, even when that’s an extended shot contemplating the participant and the stakes. Ideally, the 2 sides determine it out earlier than puck drops for the common season.
If the Leafs and Marner have their method, it’d occur and we’ll all by no means learn about it till it’s introduced.
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