Head coach Craig Berube seals Mitch Marner’s fate in Toronto

Last month during the NHL draft weekend, new Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was asked to share his thoughts on forward Mitch Marner, who has been shoved deep into trade rumours all summer long following another catastrophic performance in the Stanley Cup playoffs. In his answer, not only was Berube complimentary of Marner as a player, he even indicated that he was looking forward to coaching him this upcoming season.

Since his comments at the Draft as new Leafs head coach, Berube has heard the speculations and more criticism on the star winger, and so, it felt right to once again ask him how he feels about coaching Marner next season. The Star’s Kevin McGran wanted to know if the feeling was the same and what it may mean for Marner’s future in Toronto, and yes Berube pretty much sealed the forward’s fate, stating that Marner will be on the Leafs roster come training camp in September.

“(Marner is) a character guy,” Berube told McGran. “He’s a great person. Obviously, a great player. I’m looking forward to coaching him.”

While general manager Brad Treliving has not confirmed or denied any of the Marner rumors, it does feel more and more like the forward will stay put in Toronto. There is the persistant feeling that the Maple Leafs will not dismantle the Cour Four and that Berube will have a go at the forward stars together.

As the season gets going, and should Marner still be a member of the Maple Leafs, Berube will have to proven that he was right in what he saw in Marner and see if the latter agrees to an extension if he wants to be part of the Leafs long-term.

This will be interesting to watch unfold in Toronto.