Mitch Marner is just one step away from becoming a free agent after completing his six-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, opening up many possibilities for his NHL future. On that note, the team’s general manager, Brad Treliving, made a strong statement on the matter.
Letting go of last season’s points leader isn’t an easy pill to swallow for the Maple Leafs. Marner’s 102 points during the previous campaign make him a highly attractive target for any franchise that may be ready to offer him more than $10 million per year.
With July 1 fast approaching, top free agents will be looking for new destinations. Even Florida Panthers stars like Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett are close to hitting the open market imminently. The Maple Leafs have now made a final statement about the future of their 28-year-old star.
Treliving’s comments on the Marner situation
“I wouldn’t say a whole lot has changed right now. We’ve had communication. I’d probably describe it, unless there’s a significant change here, I would anticipate that he’s going to hit the market, and we’ll see where things go,” Treliving said at press conference about Marner’s future with the Maple Leafs.
Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs
“We’ll see how everything goes. We’ve had communications on a regular basis, so we’ll see how everything plays out. You’re trying to make your team better and the potential is there to lose a really good player, so lots of challenges,” Treliving reflected.
see also
NHL News: Golden Knights strengthen by re-signing two Stanley Cup champions while pursuing Mitch Marner
Which franchises are interested in Marner?
Among the long list of potential suitors for Marner are the Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings, Dallas Stars, and Anaheim Ducks. In recent hours, it has been reported that the Maple Leafs forward has ruled out the Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets from the race to sign him.
