Brad Treliving Refuses to Confirm Contract Offers for Mitch Marner and John Tavares
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Brad Treliving spoke on the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs but did not make it clear if that future includes Mitch Marner and John Tavares.
Treliving spoke at length to reporters for the first time since the end of the Leafs season, having been eliminated in the second round of the NHL playoffs to the Florida Panthers in seven games.
The Leafs ended their season on a disappointing 6-1 loss that sealed that a cultural change will have to happen, something Treliving alluded to today in admitting a "DNA change" is needed.
What exactly said changes are is unknown. Brendan Shanahan is already out as President of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but for free agents Mitch Marner and John Tavares, Treliving left little to be answered on where those two stand in Toronto.
Mitch Marner's Future With the Toronto Maple Leafs Still Unclear Despite Presser
The press conference with Brad Treliving did little to give an understanding of where the Leafs are with Mitch Marner, but perhaps the silence is what makes his future the most clear.
The fact there is little clarity on where things stand between Toronto & Marner is a telling sign that nothing is close in terms of a potential extension, understandable with it known the two sides were waiting for the season to conclude before talks commenced.
But as it stands, the talks also suggest that the rumors that have been swirling about Marner appearing to be done for in Toronto aren't going to quiet down, and Treliving's comments didn't seem to be that of someone expecting Marner back.
Marner has been viewed as likely being gone, with Darren Dreger reporting yesterday that it's his understanding that Marner won't continue in Toronto past this season.
Dreger also recently reported earlier today that today's presser did not rule out a possible extension for Marner and Tavares.
Reports have linked Marner to other teams since the trade deadline.
Talks With John Tavares Unknown Although More Positivity Than Marner
Like Marner, the status of John Tavares is not yet decided, although the momentum seems more favourable to Tavares staying than it does for Marner.
Tavares seems more likely to be back, with the expectation being he will take somewhat of a team-friendly discount that allows him to stay a Leaf for the next few years.
Brad Treliving praised John Tavares and called himself "a fan", but said there are complications that will need to be worked out to get the Leafs to a place where pen can be put to paper.
Are Mitch Marner and John Tavares Done In Toronto For Good?
Mitch Marner and John Tavares are in a "will they or won't they" phase that hasn't changed from the start of the season, and may not be any different by the time free agency opens July 1st.
Tavares, 34, had a comeback season with 38 goals and 74 points in 75 games for Toronto this season.
Since signing in 2018, Tavares has been the Leafs second line centre, and has been an All-Star and 40-goal scorer, but has lacked in much hardware, or playoff success.
Marner, 28, hit the 100 point plateau for the first time in his NHL career, taking up the lead in the Leafs roster after Auston Matthews missed time due to injury throughout the season.
Marner was also a PPG player for the Leafs this season with 13PTS in 13GP, although he has criticized for a lack of effort and going quiet in big moments, partially attributed to his anxiety.
A three-time NHL all-star, Marner looked like he was on top of the world after getting the game-winning assist on Connor McDavid Four Nations goal that gave Canada the gold medal.
Now, Mitch Marner hits free agency likely to make more than the Leafs can afford, and Tavares may be joining him out as Brad Treliving notes a new DNA change for Toronto.
Without saying much, Brad Treliving has signaled that next Season's Toronto Maple Leafs is very likely to not be the same one, and whether that change includes no Marner and Tavares will remain to be seen, and likely not clarified right away.
| POLL | ||
MAI 29 | 559 ANSWERS Brad Treliving Refuses to Confirm Contract Offers for Mitch Marner and John Tavares Would you keep Tavares and Marner in Toronto? | ||
| Yes | 278 | 49.7 % |
| No | 281 | 50.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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