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The Toronto Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner appear to be on the same page...for now. As GM Brad Treliving says, the two sides are aligned following a dramatic trade deadline that included asking Marner to waive his no-trade clause for a deal with Carolina. Everyone is now moving in the same direction.
How long will that last?
Marner declined to waive his no-movement clause, which was well within his right. While some view this as a signal that he wants to remain in Toronto long-term, others see it as a strategic move to maximize his value in free agency.
According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, the Leafs’ willingness to discuss trading Marner could push him in one of two directions. He might feel disrespected and prepared to leave, or he could realize that the organization is open to moving on and reconsidering his future. Either way, the request to waive his no-trade clause is likely weighing on Marner as he looks ahead to the offseason.
Maple Leafs Should Not Be Fooled Into Believing Marner Is Solely Loyal
There are several reasons Marner might have said no. Staying with the Leafs could be the highest among them, but not going to Carolina could also have been a factor. Whether that be because it was Carolina specifically or because the spotlight isn’t as bright, thus limiting the eyeballs on how fantastic a season he’s having, the ripple effect of being moved out of the center of the hockey universe in Canada shouldn’t be discounted.
The expectation remains that Marner will enter free agency this summer. His refusal to waive his no-trade clause and his refusal to sign an extension suggest he is looking to leverage his position. Marner is reportedly seeking a contract worth approximately $104 million over eight years—an average annual value of $13 million.
LeBrun wonders if Marner is thinking twice after the Leafs so heavily pursued Mikko Rantanen, but if Marner doesn’t sign fairly quickly, it should indicate that this is all about money.
The team’s willingness to go another direction should be a wake-up call, and time will tell if that’s accurate.
By staying put for now, Marner ensures that multiple teams will be lining up to offer him a massive contract in free agency, potentially forcing the Leafs to meet his demands or risk losing him for nothing. This is about leverage. His agent wants him to have it and Marner seems happy to play the game.
Toronto’s front office has been eager to extend Marner, but recent events show they are also willing to move him if necessary. Both sides must decide whether they can find common ground or if Marner’s future lies elsewhere. How all of the drama unfolded at the deadline is not a sign he’s definitely staying put. It’s simply a sign he wanted to keep a measure of control in his negotiations – which he did.
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