Real reason of Mitch Marner not wanting to re-sign in Toronto exposed

Last week, insider Andy Strickland confirmed that Mitch Marner will not be returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs next season. The pending free agent winger will test the market with many reporters and fans expecting a massive deal with a new team.

Marner recorded 27 goals and a career-high 102 points in 81 games with the Maple Leafs this past season while playing out the last of a of a six-year, $65.41 million contract that carried an annual cap hit of $10.9 million. The expectation is that Marner could sign a new deal with as much as a $14 million AAV, especially with suitors like the Anaheim Ducks having the cash flow to put that offer on the table.

However, Strickland came back on Tuesday with another report, hinting at the real reason why Marner wants out of Toronto, and it has nothing to do with money.

The Leafs would not be able to offer Marner that type of money and some believe they do not want to give him more than what captain Auston Matthews is earning. But according to Strickland, money is not the issue here:

“I don’t believe Mitch Marner leaving Toronto is about chasing the biggest contract, so much focus has been about him possibly being paid $14 million or more. Truly believe this is about a change of scenery and a fresh start. He’s been paid crazy money for several years, I don’t think he’s chasing the biggest contract as much as he is a chance to win elsewhere.”

For Marner, a fresh start could be exactly what he needs. A change of scenery might lift the heavy weight of Toronto’s expectations and allow him to thrive elsewhere. However, if Strickland is right and on top of the change of scenery, Marner is seeking the chance to win a championship, the Ducks might fall out of contention and other teams, perhaps offering less, will get a shot at signing the talented winger.

The Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings and Ottawa Senators have been linked to Marner in past weeks. I cannot wait to see where he ends up signing on the dotted line, the start of a new chapter.