Elliotte Friedman: Maple Leafs Can't Reach Mitch Marner, Teammates Quietly Expect a Big Move
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs have gotten the cold shoulder from Mitch Marner, as his teammates expect him gone elsewhere.
With the saga of Mitch Marner slowly reaching its conclusion, there has been discussions about potential sign-and-trades, future destinations, and what the Maple Leafs can do to replace some of the offense they are going to lose.
But it seems that things have gone from frosty to stone cold.
Mitch Marner ignoring Toronto; teammates believe he's as good as gone
Speaking on his 32 Thoughts podcast, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Maple Leafs have been unable to talk to Marner or his camp, and that his soon to be former teammates see the writing on the wall:
From my understanding, the Maple Leafs are still trying to get some type of deal done involving Marner, but his camp hasn't gotten back with any alternatives.
There's also a feeling that Marner's teammates believe he's also gone, but word around is that some are quietly thinking that he'll be headed out West somewhere, but obviously this is just speculative. - Elliotte Friedman
There's also a feeling that Marner's teammates believe he's also gone, but word around is that some are quietly thinking that he'll be headed out West somewhere, but obviously this is just speculative. - Elliotte Friedman
While it isn't clear exactly what type of deal the team is trying to do, it's highly likely they are trying to get a last minute sign-and-trade done, but with Marner's agent putting the phone on silent; what's next?
Toronto needs a replacement for Mitch Marner, but DNA change is more vital
As much as it is going to hurt to lose Marner's offensive impact, the Maple Leafs are trying to make themselves into something completely different.
That involves the familiar faces being let go, shipped out, or otherwise replaced with players more akin to the play style of the head coach.
We'll see names like Max Domi, David Kampf or Calle Jarnkrok traded potentially at some point, and there's even talk about Morgan Rielly being dealt; talk about a change.
They need to bring in the proper playoff producers, and names like Brad Marchand are being heavily linked to the team. Even finding more role players like Pius Suter, Jack Roslovic, and Ryan Donato is a high possibility.
The team wants to become grittier, harder to play against, and tough as nails. That doesn't lead itself to a lot of offense, at least not as much in years past. But it's a style that has continued to find success to this day, but you need the right people to put it into action.
Marner ignoring Toronto might actually be a blessing in the end. The team can admit defeat on this one, bid Marner adieu, then turn their attention on changing the team.
They're just praying for a different result this time around.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 15 | 508 ANSWERS Elliotte Friedman: Maple Leafs Can't Reach Mitch Marner, Teammates Quietly Expect a Big Move Where will Mitch Marner end up signing in free agency? | ||
| Vegas | 270 | 53.1 % |
| Los Angeles | 120 | 23.6 % |
| Florida | 51 | 10 % |
| Carolina | 67 | 13.2 % |
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