Chris Johnston Drops Key Update on John Tavares and Mitch Marner Extension Talks - Crucial Details Revealed
NHL Insider Chris Johnston gave some very key insight into how the Maple Leafs are approaching the Mitch Marner and John Tavares contract situations.
With a lot of talk surrounding the potential impact a trade could bring for the Maple Leafs for their playoff run, there are still several things they need to being attention to as time ticks away.
There's the 4 Nations Face-Off, where the team will need to balance allowing their stars to play while trying to keep them healthy, there's a looming Matthew Knies RFA situation, not to mention them losing two of their Core Four to free agency.
So what exactly is Toronto's game plan when it comes to John Tavares and Mitch Marner?
Toronto Is Playing The Waiting Game With John Tavares And Mitch Marner
According to NHL Inside Chris Johnston, the team isn't too concerned just yet about re-signing either player. Speaking on TSN's FirstUp, Johnston laid out the details for Toronto's mindset regarding the extensions:
You get to a certain point as a player it might make sense. Specifically Marner, if it gets closer to July 1, maybe take a peek.
But for Tavares it's clear he wants to stay with Toronto; not that he will for free he's at a different stage of his career and he will earn a much different deal regardless of where Marner signs."
It's obvious that Tavares will get a deal done down the line, so his contract isn't too much of a concern unless a team comes out of the woodwork and offers a huge deal for Tavares to give them veteran leadership.
This season Tavares has played like he was still in his prime, scoring 19 goals and 21 assists in 40 games, showing that even at 34 he's still able to contribute a point per game.
Marner though is a whole different beast. Playing out of his mind this season, he's on pace for over 100 points, been the Maple Leafs' best player, and could have very well earned himself one of the biggest deals in NHL history.
It's a lot of pressure to put on Toronto, and Marner's camp has been known to be a bit stingy.
There's going to be no shortage of suitors for the Leafs winger, and there have been talks about him potentially receiving upwards of $14M a season; equivalent to Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl.
This season Marner has exploded for 14 goals and 42 assists in 41 games and currently sits second in the NHL for assists and fourth in points.
The saga of Mitch Marner and John Tavares' contracts is going to be a story that will develop throughout the season. The only question is can the team get something done before the clock strikes midnight on July 1.
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