Mitch Marner Speaks Out After Brad Treliving's Comments on his Contract Situation

With all the speculation around Mitch Marner's status with the Maple Leafs beyond this season, the chatter has surprisingly not affected him for the season, though he is struggling a bit over the past few games.

Recent comments from GM Brad Treliving has made it abundantly clear that he wants to keep Marner around long-term, and with all the questions surrounding the pending free agent, what exactly are his thoughts on what his GM said?

It's a good thing Marner didn't wax poetic about the comments and kept things simple, but his sole focus remains on helping the team win. But what if he can't?

Marner simultaneously praised and brushed off his GM's comments, instead focusing on helping his team for the latter few weeks of the season. But if you read between the lines, it's going to be a rough summer for the Maple Leafs.

Is Marner excited to play hockey with these guys because he knows they can win? Or is it more a case of Marner trying to enjoy the last few weeks together before he heads elsewhere.

He's here to play hockey, but for as much as he wants to stay here and made it clear, his actions will speak louder than words. He could sign for $13M, be only a few hundred thousand off of Auston Matthews, and will arguably be the team's MVP for the next few years.

Marner wants to win, something he hasn't done yet in his career, but does heading to a club that's rebuilding or on the bubble entice him when he still won't win for a few more years, if that?

If money is the main issue, then Marner should just be honest and admit the free agent market is best for his future.

Is that going to make him a villain in Toronto? Probably, and no amount of success or record breaking accomplishments will give him relief. He will be persona non grata if he leaves, and it would not be surprising to see some very harsh and aggressive reactions if he abandons the team.

Marner is enjoying some of the best numbers of his career, with 80 points in 64 games (21G, 59A) and was on pace to break the century-point mark before he ran into a bit of a dry spell.

Marner and his excitement will hopefully carry over when the Maple Leafs take on Ottawa in the Battle of Ontario on Saturday evening; puck is scheduled to drop at 7PM ET.