Maple Leafs shove Mitch Marner under incredible heat!

Earlier this week, insider Darren Dreger has reported there’s no contract extension imminent between the Toronto Maple Leafs and winger Mitch Marner. The star forward is entering the final year of a six-year, $65.41 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season.

“I think they’re in a good place,” Dreger said on TSN’s First Up with Aaron Korolnek and Carlo Colaiacovo on Monday. “But I don’t want to misconstrue that, with the belief that an extension is looming, that it’s going to happen quickly. Obviously, it’s going to be a top-of-mind big story from the beginning of training camp and probably the beginning of the training camp until the day that an extension is committed and announced. But I don’t have the sense that that’s going to happen anytime soon. And I think both sides are okay with that, right?”

While both sides seem fine with letting the coming season unfold, Adam Proteau of the Hockey News believes the situation could lead to extreme pressure on Marner if it does go unsettled for the entire campaign. Proteau writes:

“Whether you like him or not – Marner simply hasn’t produced in the post-season in a way that’s commensurate with his $10.9-million annual salary.

“Marner will be a UFA next summer, but unless he waits until season’s end to negotiate a new deal with a long-term extension, Marner will be under incredible heat to show he’s worth re-investing in next year.”

Proteau adds how confident the Maple Leafs have been with Auston Matthews, who is now taking over as franchise captain, but the same cannot be said of Marner.

He will need to prove his worth this season, especially prior to the trade deadline if he wants to get that big money extension. Although his no-move clause gives him some leverage in deciding his fate, if the Maple Leafs try to move him then, they clearly don’t see a future together.

Marner could have a future in Toronto, but the Maple Leafs will need to figure out money while the winger will need to be way better during the postseason.

“Marner knows that this is yet another big year for that young leadership group, and he’s a huge part of that. So he’s focused on a good start for himself, for his team,” added Dreger.

I guess the pressure is on and time will tell what happens next in this saga.