Elliotte Friedman Provides Key Update on Mitch Marner's Free Agency Decision
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 given a critical update regarding Marner's mindset heading into July 1:
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 things 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 and will be a contentious part of negotiations.
Marner in his career as a Leaf has been spectacular. In 630 games he has 210 goals and 500 assists and has averaged nearly 79 points through his 9 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 Toronto can make a strong playoff push and show Marner they are serious about winning, he'll feel more inclined to stick around.
If not -- expect Marner to get a Brinks Truck backed up to his front door ready to give him as much money as he wants.
