Brad Treliving Reveals What's Next for the Leafs and Mitch Marner During Exit Interview
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving spoke openly for the first time on Mitch Marner's future in his end-of-year press conference.
Treliving spoke at a presser, addressing the Leafs season, their exit from the playoffs, and the status of their upcoming free agents, all of which was answered for.
Starting off the presser, Treliving had a lot of positives for the Leafs season, being a top regular season team that went through some turnover and managed to be among the league's best.
While brought up were a lot of positives to say for their regular season results, the Leafs GM was less positive about their playoff run.
Treliving said he felt good about the team in the playoffs and thought there were good moments to be had, but ultimately their playoff exit was disappointing, something he says will live in his mind how it ended.
That series is going to stay with me for a long time. The way it ended is going to stay with me for a long time.
Brad Treliving Discusses Potential of Re-signing Mitch Marner, Leafs Future
Brad Treliving commented on the potential that Mitch Marner could be re-signed, although a definitive answer is not something Treliving could commit to just yet.
Treliving called Marner a "tremendous player" and has been in contact with Marner since the season ended, but says work will be done to determine next steps on what happens between the Leafs and Marner.
I think Mitch is a tremendous player. I think he's a star. We're in that process right now. Mitch and I had a discussion. It's emotional right now.
My discussion with Mitch was, "let's all take a step back". I'm gonna be in touch with Mitch's representatives and determine what's best. He's got a say in the process. We'll see.
My discussion with Mitch was, "let's all take a step back". I'm gonna be in touch with Mitch's representatives and determine what's best. He's got a say in the process. We'll see.
Similarly, he didn't comment on re-signing John Tavares and Matthew Knies, although Treliving sounded more positive discussing the two as long-term Leafs.
Treliving said he'd like to get a deal with Knies done "as soon as possible", and said he'd like to have John Tavares back, far more enthusiastic remarks in comparison to the uncertainty provided on bringing back Marner.
Treliving Plans For Future But Doesn't Answer For Leafs Free Agency Plans
Brad Treliving stated that he wants a deal with Matthew Knies done quickly and that he hopes to have John Tavares back, but Treliving was a lot more tight-lipped when discussing Marner potentially returning.
One factor could be the fact Marner's negotiations will be the costliest for the Leafs financially, and the team is being more careful as negotiations are awaiting.
It could also mean subconsciously that Treliving feels less confident with the prospect of Marner's return to Toronto vs Knies and Tavares.
Knies re-signing seems to be something the Leafs have as their priority, and what happens with Marner seems to still not be certain.
Treliving made clear to reporters that the Leafs DNA needs to change, and it's possible that comes with Marner out in Toronto after nearly a decade.
There's some DNA that has to change in our team. When you keep getting the same result. There's some DNA that needs to change.
Despite making it clear his respect for Marner and his talent level, Brad Treliving's press conference appeared to lend credibility to what has become a near conclusion, this may be the end of Mitch Marner as a Toronto Maple Leaf.
| POLL | ||
MAI 29 | 571 ANSWERS Brad Treliving Reveals What's Next for the Leafs and Mitch Marner During Exit Interview Will Mitch Marner be back for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 161 | 28.2 % |
| No | 410 | 71.8 % |
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