The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into the 2024-25 NHL season with a major distraction. Star forward Mitch Marner will be in the final season of his contract without an extension agreed to.
This is a situation the Toronto Maple Leafs have been in before. Last season William Nylander and the Maple Leafs went into the season without an extension agreed to. After starting the season without a contract William Nylander went on an absolute tear and drove up his price. Finally, the two sides signed an 8-year extension.
With that said the Toronto Maple Leafs have experience in this type of scenario and NHL insider Chris Johnston believes that could play to their advantage.
When discussing Mitch Marner insider Chris Johnston was asked about the perfect timeline for an extension. While Chris Johnston admitted that he doesn't know the exact perfect time in an ideal world winning the Stanley Cup and announcing an extension at the parade could be perfect.
Waiting to sign Mitch Marner would be the ultimate risk but it could be one the Toronto Maple Leafs are willing to take. Many fans wanted Mitch Marner driven out of town despite his 85 points in 69 games. Where he struggled was producing just 3 points in 7 playoff games.
If the Maple Leafs fail to win the Stanley Cup or advance far into the Stanley Cup Playoffs the blame could go right back on Mitch Marner leading to a natural separation between the two.
Source: Hockey Reference
Mitch Marner Stats
POLL | ||
Will Mitch Marner sign his extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs before the end of the 2024-25 regular season? | ||
Yes | 244 | 54.6 % |
No | 203 | 45.4 % |
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