"Everyone’s going to regret it if he leaves": Top insider updates on Mitch Marner's mindset as Maple Leafs contract talks loom 

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Sep 06, 2024 18:34 GMT

Mitch Marner's contract situation with the Toronto Maple Leafs is becoming a key topic as the season approaches. On the September 6 episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, insider Elliotte Friedman shared updates on Marner, who is entering the last year of his contract.

The contract discussions for Marner are quite complicated. The Maple Leafs have limited cap space due to big contracts already signed by Auston Matthews (four-year, $53 million) and William Nylander (eight-year, $92 million).

"The whole contract thing, it's never easy," Friedman said. "The best thing for the player and the team is for everyone to come to their senses and find a way to ensure that he stays. But I don't even wanna put a percentage down on if that's gonna happen."

Finding a way to keep Marner will be a challenge, but both sides hope to work it out. If not, they could regret it if he ends up leaving.

"The agent here (Marner’s), Darren Ferris, he always believes in walking his guys to free agency unless you give him a reason not to ... So I think he starts the year ... but everyone’s going to regret it if he leaves," Friedman said.

Marner has been building a positive working relationship with new head coach Craig Berube. He became the 41st coach of the Leafs after replacing Sheldon Keefe on May 17. Keefe was fired after the Leafs' first-round exit in playoffs. The situation in Toronto has been tense ever since.

"I think it's been in and out. He talked with Berube, I think the two of them are very happy to work together and see where it goes," Friedman said.

Mitch Marner's training in Vail with Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon: Elliotte Friedman

Amid contract rumors, Mitch Marner has been training with Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon in Vail, Colorado. Friedman mentioned Marner looked great.

"First ... Mitch Marner has taken his summer extremely seriously," Friedman said. "He knows what’s hovering around him, and he’s determined to have the best possible summer he can, to be ready.

"Second, I believe he is in Vail (Colorado) this weekend, with the likes of Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon. And as I understand he has been on a line with them."

"We've talked in the pod before... at a previous Biosteel camp, he played with MacKinnon as linemates and MacKinnon is a big fan. I have here he looked dynamite with Crosby and MacKinnon at this Vail camp," Friedman added

While there have been no formal offers yet, Mitch Marner is reportedly interested in staying with the Leafs.