Don Cherry Gives Clear Advice to the Maple Leafs on Mitch Marner's Future
Photo credit: Jack Boland - Toronto Sun
Former hockey pundit Don Cherry recently spoke on his podcast about what Toronto should do regarding the Mitch Marner saga, and if they should re-sign him.
Although he's been out of the mainstream hockey realm for a few years now, Don Cherry still has his foot in the game with his 'Don Cherry's Grapevine' podcast where he discusses things around the league, with his usual timbre and vocal responses.
Don Cherry's Thoughts On Mitch Marner's Contract Status
Never one to shy away from calling out the Maple Leafs when they're faltering, his latest podcast had the topic of pending free agent Mitch Marner.
When it was brought up what the team should do, Cherry wasn't shy about what the team needs to focus on:
They (Maple Leafs) should sign him. There's a lot of teams that want him.
While it is certainly wishful thinking for Cherry given the recent reports that showed Marner was basically two feet out the door with his bags packed; there is still some hope for a reunion.
Never say never in hockey, and Marner could very well pull a Steven Stamkos and gauge the market before re-signing with the Leafs. But if they don't have much success, that just leaves both the team and Marner spinning their wheels.
All the teams should want to sign him, and while he's going to command a lot of money, he's worth every penny.
Toronto Should Try Their Hardest To Persuade Mitch Marner
Marner hit the 100-point mark for the first time in his career this season (102P; 27G, 75A) while also being a huge reason why Toronto made it through when Auston Matthews was injured.
He was undoubtedly the team's MVP and deserves to be paid as such.
The issue with Toronto not wanting to budge on paying him more than Matthews may have been the straw that broke the camel's back, and Marner had his mind made up long before the playoffs.
But as much as Toronto wants to sign him, does Marner even want to come back? He'll make more money elsewhere, potentially pay less taxes, and depending on where he ends up; play for a Stanley Cup.
He was constantly disrespected by fans, harassed at points, and felt genuinely unwelcome from the community at times even though he gave so much to help the city; you can't blame him for wanting to leave.
Brad Treliving should do everything possible to give Mitch Marner what he wants, though it still might not be enough.
Which will certainly bring a sour taste to 'Grapes', as he watches with the team as they see one of their greatest stars flourish elsewhere.
| POLL | ||
MAI 26 | 716 ANSWERS Don Cherry Gives Clear Advice to the Maple Leafs on Mitch Marner's Future Do you agree with Don Cherry the Maple Leafs should re-sign Mitch Marner? | ||
| Yes | 409 | 57.1 % |
| No | 307 | 42.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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