As speculation swirls around Mitch Marner’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Canadian hockey legend and current analyst Don Cherry made his stance on the pending free agent clear.
According to Cherry, Toronto should not let Marner walk. Instead, the Leafs should sign him to a long-term deal.
Speaking on episode 309 of "The Don Cherry's Grapevine Podcast," Cherry was direct when asked whether the Leafs should re-sign the 28-year-old winger.
"They should sign him," Cherry said. "There's a lot of teams that want him."
Marner, who recorded 102 points this season, is weeks away from becoming an unrestricted free agent if no extension is reached before July 1.
The winger declined to commit to returning during Toronto’s end-of-season media availability, repeatedly saying the Game 7 playoff loss to the Florida Panthers was “still so fresh” and that he needed time to think.
"I've always loved my time here. I've loved being here," Marner said on the team's locker clean-out day. "Like I said to you guys the other night, I have been so grateful and, you know, haven't processed anything yet.
"It's still so fresh and losing sucks."
Marner’s playoff production (63 points in 70 games for an average of 0.90 points per game) has often drawn criticism, despite his career regular-season totals of 741 points in 657 games (1.13).
Coach Craig Berube, however, praised his impact.
"I love the guy and love coaching him," Berube said. "He’s a hell of a player."
Unless Toronto acts soon, Marner will become the top name on the free agent market this summer, as there will be "leaguewide" interest in the winger, according to multiple reports.
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With Mitch Marner’s move to the Vegas Golden Knights closing a major chapter in Toronto, GM Brad Treliving made a series of moves to replace his production. He might not be done. Three may be even bolder moves on the horizon. We’ve heard the names Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf before. However, the Maple Leafs are actively fielding and exploring trade scenarios as they look to reshape their roster — and according to Nick Kypreos, a handful of intriguing names are emerging in trade chatter: Morgan Rielly, Brandon Carlo, and former Leafs fan-favorite Nazem Kadri. The most surprising name still generating buzz is Rielly. Despite being a longtime cornerstone on Toronto’s blue line, his $7.5 million cap hit and no-move clause complicate matters. Yet with the team needing help up front, and possible interest in offensive defensemen like Pittsburgh’s Erik Karlsson, Rielly could become part of a larger plan if he’s open to waiving. Also surprising is the talk surrounding Carlo. A recent addition to the Leafs’ defense corps, he is already being talked about behind the scenes as a potential trade piece. If he were made available, there is interest around the league, as the 6-foot-6 shutdown defender has a team-friendly cap hit and strong penalty-killing ability. Trading Carlo could get the Leafs a top-six forward. Finally, reports on the availability of Kadri remain conflicting. Some say he’s not available, while others suggest that the Calgary Flames would consider the idea. The former Maple Leaf would be a welcome addition back to Toronto, but there isn’t much of a reason for the Flames to trade him unless the return is outstanding. Kadri reportedly would consider waiving his no-move clause for a reunion. That said, getting a deal done won’t be easy, especially with Montreal also rumored to be on his short list. Whether any of these deals come to pass or are just pure speculation, one thing’s sure: the Maple Leafs aren’t standing still. Treliving is trying to get his roster to score more goals. He seems willing to entertain any idea and play Moneyball with the roster if it will help.
Lakers power forward Maxi Kleber was reportedly close to being involved in another trade with his new team. A former fan favorite of the Dallas Mavericks, Kleber spent eight seasons in Dallas before being part of one of the biggest trades in NBA history — heading to Los Angeles along with NBA superstar Luka Dončić. Now, after missing most of last season due to injury and playing just five minutes for the Lakers before re-injuring a right foot fracture he suffered in January, Kleber nearly found himself on the move again. The reason? The Lakers recently signed star guard Marcus Smart following his buyout with the Washington Wizards. To make room for the deal, Los Angeles needed to clear additional cap space. Their first move was to release point guard Shake Milton, freeing up about $3 million. But that still wasn’t enough. Initially, the Lakers considered trading away players like Dalton Knecht and another player on an expiring contract to bring back a single, more affordable option. Kleber was rumored to be that expiring contract player potentially involved in the deal. However, after exploring options, the Lakers ultimately chose a simpler route — releasing guard Jordan Goodwin to free up the remaining space and finalize the signing of Smart. Kleber has long been regarded as a valuable role player and depth piece, known for his versatility as a big man with the ability to shoot from the perimeter. Now, reunited with Luka Dončić — this time wearing purple and gold — Kleber hopes to make an impact in Los Angeles. But injury concerns remain: over the past few seasons, he has missed significant time, and that’s the last thing the Lakers can afford after spending nearly all of their cap space to acquire Marcus Smart. To avoid finding himself at the center of another major trade, Kleber will need to stay healthy, contribute consistently, and simply be available to help the Lakers in their pursuit of a championship next season.
There’s a familiar face back on the sidelines alongside head coach Matt LafLeur, as the Packers open training camp. According to a report from Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, the Packers have brought back Nathaniel Hackett in an advisory role for LaFleur and the offense. What Nathaniel Hackett Brings to the Packers’ Staff Hackett’s return comes on the heels of Robert Saleh joining the staff after his dismissal as New York Jets head coach last season, when he served as a special advisor to defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, and Hackett will likely occupy a similar role for Green Bay in 2025. LaFleur’s former offensive coordinator with the Packers from 2019 through the 2022 season, when he was hired as the Denver Broncos’ head coach before being dismissed after just one season and ultimately landing with Aaron Rodgers as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator for one-plus seasons from 2023 into the 2024 campaign. Adding a veteran coach with previous ties to LaFleur has to be an asset for the Packers as Green Bay looks to make some big strides on that side of the ball in 2025.
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