According to Darren Dreger, Mitch Marner appears to be more likely to test free agency this summer than sign a contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs. While talking on First Up, Dreger stated that both parties appear to believe Marner will go to market and the team will try to make a Stanley Cup push with the player, regardless of whether a contract is completed.
While Marner might still sign with the Leafs this summer, Dreger stated that Toronto is committed to maintaining its core players through a “all-in” approach. That decision may lead to the organization requiring Marner to make a decision before either losing him for no return in the summer or going in a different way with someone who is more invested.
It was also reported that general manager Brad Treliving has been patient, allowing Marner to concentrate on his game. That idea has worked, and Marner has had a fantastic year. However, at what point will the Leafs lose patience? Darren Ferris, Marner’s agent, has a history of steering top clients to free agency to determine their full market value, so Dreger questioned if Treliving might go around the agent in one final pitch to his player.
Dreger indicated that the Leafs put some pressure on the player or the agency. At the very least, seek clarification on Marner’s intentions. If it appears like the Leafs aren’t in Marner’s plans, perhaps the organization will plug holes at the deadline and pursue another big fish in the offseason.
Should the Leafs press Marner for a decision?
Dreger explained that the difficulty with waiting is that other top free agents may consider the Maple Leafs, thus closing the door for Marner. He also has a family, which began with the revelation that Marner and his wife are expecting. How will this influence his decision-making? These are all issues that the Leafs would like to have resolved, even if they do not require a solution today.
Marner’s extension decision Maple Leafs
Treliving has the authority to either negotiate directly with Marner (which is not often well received by agents) or put pressure on Ferris (Marner’s agency) to respond. It’s unclear what he’ll do, but there could be a cause to consider it.