Mitch Marner and John Tavares Contract Talks Hit Roadblock Following New Report
Maple Leafs fans woke up to some pretty groundbreaking news, as it was revealed John Tavares and Mitch Marner's contract situation took a wild turn.
With all the discussion recently regarding the contract situation of Mitch Marner and John Tavares, we're all waiting with bated breath as time ticks down on whether or not they'll re-sign before summer, or wait for free agency to feel things out.
Fans had hoped for the latter, but when they woke up on Tuesday they were met with some pretty unfortunate news: They aren't re-signing.
At least not yet.
According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, both Mitch Marner and John Tavares' contract extension talks have fallen through, and both men will likely wait until summer to make a decision:
Marner appears content to ride this out and see where things land. As free agency nears, there's less incentive for players to sign early.
Given the Leafs' specific circumstances, there's little reason for them to go beyond where they're comfortable in negotiations.
If both are extended and the team falls short again, having the ability to pivot in another direction could be a benefit.
This isn't just a normal time with a normal team-the Leafs are well down the tracks with this core.
Marner and Tavares aren't solely to blame for past playoff struggles, but given where things stand, it would be surprising if either signs-unless something changes in the next ten days.
So what does this mean going forward for the Maple Leafs?
Toronto's Playoff Success Will Determine Future Stars Contract
Let's be frank here. Toronto needs to have more than just a first round victory in this year's playoffs in order to keep Marner at the very least.
For what it's worth, Marner is in the middle of a career year with 16 goals and 55 assists in 56 games and has been the team's MVP without question.
It can prove to Marner he can still win, and that he won't need to wait for a few more years as he would in a place like Chicago.
But it'll also be up to Marner to prove he belongs in the playoffs, and if Toronto does end up succeeding, though with other players producing; they should also take it as a sign to let Marner walk.
Marner and agent Darren Ferris are not going to budge when it comes to money, even if they win it all, so if they start taking Brad Treliving hostage in negotiations, we know where his true intentions lie.
But Toronto has a bit of an ace when it comes to Marner, and that's whether or not he wants to uproot his entire life to move somewhere new especially with a new baby on the way.
Shifting gears off Marner, which seems like a losing battle, to John Tavares.
Expected to re-sign with the team for a discount, Tavares has been mum on contract talks and it's clear he doesn't want it to be a distraction.
But he's also 34 and if Toronto doesn't win this year; he could pivot to another contender in order to better his chances toward the end of his career.
This season, Tavares has 22 goals and 26 assists in 50 games.
It would make Toronto's Core Four now a Core Duo with Auston Matthews and William Nylander, but they can re-sign Matthew Knies, add some new faces, and perhaps make a big splash in free agency.
The Leafs need to prove to both men they can win, and another first round loss will only show them that perhaps the grass is a bit greener on the other side.
Change is scary, but it's also good. Toronto hasn't won anything beyond one playoff series with Auston Matthews and company so maybe it's time to freshen things up in a dramatic way.
So maybe this is a necessary evil for Marner and Tavares to eschew contract talks until the summer. Toronto can now shift their attention to winning and gauge both men's willingness to stick around.
Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
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