Johnston Provides Update on Marner’s Future With Maple Leafs

NHL insider Chris Johnston was a guest on TSN’s morning show, First Up, and discussed news and rumors around the NHL. The one topic that caught some attention in Leafs Land was his reporting on both Toronto Maple Leafs forwards John Tavares and Mitch Marner. However, the news about Marner appeared to be drastically different from the news on Tavares.

The expectation for Tavares is that he will be a Maple Leaf after this season, but it isn’t expected to be finalized before the March 7 NHL Trade Deadline. As for Marner, it appears his future will depend on what happens between now and June 30 at 11:59 p.m. Johnston had this to say about Marner’s future with the organization:

“In the Tavares case, I think Marner is pretty clear, as Dregs has said, that he is more than content to ride this out and see where things land. And so, the Leafs—it doesn’t mean either player is actually leaving Toronto, but when you get closer and closer to that free agency, I mean, there’s less incentive for the player to sign. I think in some ways, because of the Leafs’ specific circumstances, there’s less reason for them to go beyond the number they’re comfortable with. Because, you know, if they sign both those guys and they send in the first round and it feels very familiar, I mean, maybe, you know, having the ability to pivot in another direction is a benefit.

I mean, this is just a normal time with a normal team, right? I mean, we’re way down the tracks of this specific Leafs group. You know, I’m not blaming Marner or Tavares for what’s happened.

I think everyone obviously has a piece in them not being able to take a further run through the playoffs. But, you know, just because of where things stand now, I would be surprised at this stage, I’d say, if either of them signed—with the usual caveat that I’m willing to change my mind if I hear something different in the next 10 days.”

Is Marner’s Future with Toronto in Jeopardy?

Well, it seems like there are a few factors that could determine his future. One of the biggest factors would be how the Maple Leafs do in the playoffs. If they finally go on a long run and have success, he could sign the extension early in the offseason. If they get beat out in the first round again, he may be more willing to test the open market. The other component would be the salary cap, and with it going up, could other contending teams afford to bring him into their organization?