Mitch Marner’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs remains uncertain after another early playoff exit. The Maple Leafs were eliminated by the Florida Panthers in seven games in the second round.
Marner is entering the final months of his six-year, $65.4 million contract. Unless a new deal is signed, he will become a free agent on July 1. So far, the Leafs and Marner have not agreed to an extension.
On his podcast, Don Cherry said the Leafs should quickly re-sign Marner, given the interest in him.
"They (Maple Leafs) should sign him. There are a lot of teams that want him,” Cherry said.
However, he did suggest that the Leafs should trade William Nylander.
"I would trade Nylander. That's what I would do. It's sad to see a talent like that. He should dominate every game."
Marner scored 102 points in 82 games, with 27 goals and 75 assists in the regular season. This was his first time reaching 100 points in a season. He ranked fifth in the league in total points and third in assists. His plus-minus rating was +18.
In the postseason, Marner registered 13 points in 13 playoff games, with two goals and 11 assists. He went pointless in four of the last five games and finished with a -1 rating.
Despite strong regular seasons, the Leafs have struggled in the playoffs with their core players. Toronto started this year’s playoffs by beating the Ottawa Senators in six games. They then faced Florida and won the first two games but lost four of the next five. The team was eliminated after a 6-1 loss in Game 7.
Changes are expected in the team, with Marner likely to leave in free agency.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun names 2 teams interested in Mitch Marner
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun said Mitch Marner will likely test free agency instead of staying with the Maple Leafs. LeBrun believes Marner could get interest from teams like Florida and Vegas.
He shared his thoughts on TSN’s OverDrive on May 22.
"I think Marner himself, if he, if he goes to market, which I think is likely, will probably look at the usual suspects," LeBrun said. "You know, Florida, Vegas, all the teams that we always end up keen on, where players seem to love to go. I mean, I think those teams would, would probably be on his list as well." [1:30]
With the NHL salary cap going up, Marner could get a big contract potentially at a top team.
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