NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs — Mitch Marner's future in Toronto hinges on playoff success under Craig Berube [image credits: Imagn]

NHL Rumors: Analyst believes Mitch Marner's future in Toronto hinges on playoff success under Craig Berube

Modified Jul 06, 2024 06:18 GMT

Toronto Maple Leafs alternate captain Mitch Marner’s future with the club has been up for discussion since their first round playoffs exit at the hands of the Boston Bruins. NHL analyst Frankie Corrado recently weighed on the factors that could decide his fate in Toronto.

Marner is entering the final season of his six-year contract with the Leafs worth $65,418,000. While an extension has been in the talks for some time, nothing solid has popped up in contract negotiations. On the contrary, his dismal display in the postseason sparked trade rumors that could see him make a move away from Toronto.

While speaking of Marner’s future with the club, TSN analyst Frankie Corrado suggested that the team is giving it another shot with new head coach Craig Berube. He claimed that given the player has not been traded yet, he will possibly continue under the new HC and his extension will depend on his playoff performances next season.

“The fact that Marner is still in Toronto leads me to believe that they're going to give this thing another chance with Craig Berube behind the bench to see what he can do with this core group that includes Mitch Marner,” Corrado said.

Corrado mentioned that even if Marner performs exceptionally well in the regular season, it won't necessarily lead to an extension. The timing of Marner's contract differs from that of Auston Matthews and William Nylander, making things complicated.

“If Marner's contract were to expire and he were to move on, that would be the easiest way to break up the core four without making a trade,” he said. “You try and see if it works again for one more year with a different head coach, but there's no regular season benchmark indicating there's going to be an extension. These players, including Mitch Marner, have been phenomenal in the regular season.”

He mentioned that if Berube's leadership brings playoff success, the Leafs might offer Marner a significant long-term contract. Corrado said:

“Where success has eluded them is in the playoffs. If the playoffs are different under head coach Craig Berube, you can still throw a big bag at Mitch Marner and convince him to be a Toronto Maple Leaf for the rest of his career.”

Fans want Mitch Marner in Toronto for at least one more season

While there was some fan outrage against Mitch Marner after the Maple Leafs' early postseason exit, it seems the general support has shifted in his direction in the offseason. Fans want to see their two-way player continue with the club.

Following are some fan reactions from x:

“If Mitch Marner leaves Toronto next year that would be a big blow.”

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“Have to keep Marner. He will come through. Tavares gone next year. Just pay marner 11M. And you have an extra 11 next year as well. Get the best goalie available and pay him from that,” wrote one fan.

“Marner should get the C and a fresh 14 x 8 contract from the leafs,” quipped another user.

Meanwhile, some fans believed the player should not be traded, but should not be re-signed either.

“Marner is a terrific player. I don't think he has to be traded for the sake of being traded. That said, Mitch Marner is nowhere near being a $12.4M player. 11 is a stretch honestly. If that's the expectation, no chance you re-sign him. You get the best you can for him & move on,” commented one user.

“Leafs will regret trading this player if they do, or losing him to free agency for nothing. Unless the return is equal, if not better,” weighed in another fan.

It remains to be seen if Mitch Marner will continue his journey in Toronto or find a new harbor elsewhere, be it this offseason or the next.