Insider provides update on Mitch Marner's free-agency decision

Mitch Marner. Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Elliotte Friedman provides key update on Mitch Marner's free-agency decision

Originally posted on Hockey Patrol | By Chris Gerics | Last updated Feb 12, 2025 8:36 PM ET

NHL Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman has provided an update regarding Mitch Marner's mindset as he looks toward free agency.

It's no secret the Maple Leafs want to keep Mitch Marner around. But with all the talk about whether or not he's going to re-sign, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has provided a critical update regarding Marner's mindset heading into July 1:

"Unless there's something going on that I'm not seeing right now, which is always possible, I don't sense Mitch Marner is anywhere close to making a decision [about free agency]."

So with Marner still undecided about whether or not he's staying, let's take a look at Toronto's options.

Will he or won't he: Mitch Marner still undecided on contract extension

Knowing that Marner's agent, Darren Ferris, plays hardball with his clients' teams, it's a bit of relief that Marner hasn't made this a central focus this season.

Marner, 27, has 16 goals and 55 assists this season and looks primed to be a huge part of Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

It leaves us a bit concerned, though. As much as Marner wants to stay a Leaf for life, there's still the potential Toronto won't pay him more than Auston Matthews. Negotiations could become contentious.

A career Leaf so far, Marner has been spectacular. In 630 games, he has 210 goals and 500 assists and has averaged nearly 79 points through his nine NHL seasons.

The knock on Marner is his playoff production, and while he hasn't been as good as we would hope, he's still on par with William Nylander and Matthews — and and they both got paid.

Marner is solely focused on helping Canada and the Maple Leafs in the coming weeks, and their success — or failure — will help make his decision for him.

If the Leafs can make a strong playoff push and show Marner they are serious about winning, he could feel more inclined to stick around.

If not — expect Marner to get a Brink's Truck backed up to his front door ready to give him as much money as he wants.

This article first appeared on Hockey Patrol and was syndicated with permission.

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