Top NHL analysts drop major update on Mitch Marner's uncertain future in Toronto
A top NHL analyst is worrying Maple Leafs fans everywhere with his latest comments on pending unrestricted free agent Mitch Marner and his long term future in Toronto.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to begin the Stanley Cup Playoffs, taking on the divisional foe Ottawa Senators in the 1st Battle of Ontario since 2004.
But one of the biggest storylines that will follow whatever Toronto's ultimate playoff fate is this year is the future of Mitch Marner with the franchise.
He's set to become an unrestricted free agent, and there's been no progress on a new contract extension that would keep him with the only club he's played for.
Speaking on TSN's OverDrive earlier in the month, Leafs beat writer Jonas Siegel said following his 1-on-1 interview with Marner, he's far less certain that he'll remain with Toronto beyond this year.
I left the conversation less sure he wants to stay than before. Now, that's just reading between the lines, only he knows what he's thinking.
Obviously, the playoffs will have a lot to do with everything, but I probably went into that 50-50 as to whether he stays or goes. I left it on the more he might leave.
Obviously, the playoffs will have a lot to do with everything, but I probably went into that 50-50 as to whether he stays or goes. I left it on the more he might leave.
Siegel continued:
That's just reading between the lines, I gave him chances to explain why things are the way they are and why things played out. When you hear him, just keep repeating I'm here to play hockey.
During the interview that Siegel referenced, Marner appeared completely non-committal to staying in Toronto beyond this year and repeated the line that he's "just here to play hockey".
I'm here to just play hockey. That's what I expressed (to the media) at the start of the year and express now. It's a business out there. I know what's going on. I'm just here to play hockey.
I'm here to enjoy everything and go through the ups and downs with these guys, and just take it day by day and try to help us win games.
I'm here to enjoy everything and go through the ups and downs with these guys, and just take it day by day and try to help us win games.
Marner eclipsed the 100-point mark for the 1st time in his career (27G, 75A) in 81 games.
It's a worrying sign for the Maple Leafs given that e even though Marner has been so solid this season and the team could be in a good spot to win it all, it still might not be enough to convince him to stay.
So right now Leafs fans let's enjoy Mitch Marner while we can, as there is no certainty he's back next year, or ever.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 19 | 428 ANSWERS Top NHL analysts drop major update on Mitch Marner's uncertain future in Toronto Where will Mitch Marner play next year? | ||
| Toronto | 348 | 81.3 % |
| Detroit | 14 | 3.3 % |
| Chicago | 46 | 10.7 % |
| San Jose | 20 | 4.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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