Toronto Maple Leafs superstar forward Mitch Marner kicked off the media session on Wednesday with a bang, boldly declaring that he would not be fielding any questions pertaining to his expiring contract. “I’m not here to talk about that. I’m here to talk about the season,” Marner firmly told reporters as training camp got underway.
The 27-year-old standout, who is entering the final year of a lucrative six-year, $65.408 million deal he inked back in September 2019, made it clear that his heart belongs to Toronto. “It’s my home. It’s where I grew up,” he remarked, emphasizing the sentimental value of playing for the Leafs.
Despite widespread speculation swirling around Marner’s future earlier in the off-season, it appears that he is gearing up to start the upcoming season without a contract extension in place. The high-scoring forward, who carries a hefty cap hit of $10.9 million and boasts a full no-move clause in his current contract, became eligible to sign an extension on July 1.
TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger recently shed light on the contract situation, indicating that both parties have engaged in productive discussions but are in no rush to finalize a deal. “There’s good dialogue between [Marner’s agent] Darren Ferris and [Maple Leafs general manager] Brad Treliving, they’ve got a good relationship,” Dreger revealed. “But they’re not in heavy negotiations and again both sides are okay with that.”
Marner’s on-ice performance speaks for itself, with the dynamic forward tallying 26 goals and 85 points in just 69 games last season. Despite his stellar regular-season output, he struggled in the playoffs, notching just one goal and three points in seven contests against the Boston Bruins as the Leafs endured another early postseason exit.
Originally selected fourth overall by Toronto in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Marner has amassed an impressive 194 goals and 639 points in 576 career games, solidifying his status as a key cog in the Maple Leafs’ lineup.
Meanwhile, as the Maple Leafs commenced camp, GM Brad Treliving provided updates on the injury status of three players, setting the stage for an intriguing preseason for the storied franchise.
