Mitch Marner's former Maple Leafs teammate comes to his defense amid prevailing trade rumors

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Jul 22, 2024 21:27 GMT

Ryan O'Reilly has backed Mitch Marner amid trade rumors. O'Reilly, Marner's former teammate, thinks Marner would fit well with the Nashville Predators. This comes after Predators GM Barry Trotz signed big-name free agents like Jonathan Marchessault, Steven Stamkos and Brady Skjei.

Mitch Marner's contract with the Leafs runs for six years ending in 2025 when he becomes a free agent. His pay for the 2023-24 season includes $8,025,000 in salary and a $7,250,000 signing bonus.

While people talk about what's next for Marner, O'Reilly's backing shows how much he values Marner pointing out his contributions both during games and away from the rink.

At the Smilezone Celebrity Golf Tournament in Brampton, Ontario, O'Reilly praised Marner's on-ice skills and competitiveness. He pointed to Marner's playmaking ability and agility.

“He brings so many things. He’s so competitive, but I think just how elusive he is. With the way he can create plays, and just being off balance, and being able to put these pucks in the right areas. Just such a competitor,” O’Reilly said (via TSN).

“Getting to play with him in the short time I did, it was just so fun. You see the way he sees the game, at such a unique level,” O’Reilly added.

During his time with the Leafs, O'Reilly played 24 games and added 20 points with seven goals and 13 assists. Though he moved to the Predators on a four-year, $18 million deal, O'Reilly still respects Marner and the Leafs.

Maple Leafs coach and GM's statement on forward Mitch Marner

Mitch Marner is in his last season playing for the Maple Leafs on the 2019 contract. Marner's name has been occurring regularly in trade since the Leafs exited the playoffs in the first round after losing to the Boston Bruins. But there's a possibility that the Leafs and Marner will go for an extension before the free agency next year.

However, Sheldon Keefe is no longer the Leafs' head coach. The Leafs appointed Craig Berube as head coach after firing Keefe. After the 2024 draft, Berube talked about his enthusiasm for coaching Marner.

"He’s a character guy, a great person," Berube said on June 29. "I’m looking forward to coaching him."

But it will be possible only if Marner stays with the Leafs. GM Brad Treliving has so far avoided saying anything about Marner's contract extension. In his statement following the draft, Treliving said:

"No update on Mitch," Treliving said. "As I’ve said, I’m not going to do play-by-play. Mitch is a great player. We’re lucky to have him."

Mitch Marner recorded 26 goals and 59 assists for 85 points in 69 games last season, and he wants to stay in Toronto.