Mitch Marner’s fate in Toronto suddenly disclosed by forward’s camp!

It sounds more and more like insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet may have made the right prediction. Earlier this week, Friedman stated how he strongly believes that Mitch Marner will remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the rest of his contract, and more evidence has just emerged on how the insider is right.

“One of the things a few people have told me is not to be surprised if this plays out over next season with Marner in Toronto,” Friedman said.

On Wednesday, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports that the Marner camp wants to let next season unfold and see what happens instead of entertaining all the rumours on a possible move this summer. As of now, it is said that Marner is focused on honoring the final year of his deal and hasn’t submitted any list of preferred trade destinations to Maple Leafs’ management.

And that makes sense since Marner is the one in control with his has a full no-movement clause. Toronto cannot trade or waive him without his permission, which general manager Brad Treliving acknowledged with LeBrun.

“Mitch controls a lot of this whole thing (with the no-trade). If there’s a way to make our team better, we’re going to do it. But we’re certainly not going to make a trade just so we can pound our chest and say, ‘Look, we’re different.

The insider however also revealed how there is little chance that a contract extension will be discussed this summer, but that there could be talks later on depending on how the season goes.

While Marner’s camp seems adamant that he will remain in Toronto, there might be come a trade offer that he simply cannot refuse. But it’s been said more than once that the Maple Leafs aren’t likely to come out winners in any Marner trade seeing that current deal sees him paid a shade over $10.9 million against the cap. Marner and his camp can start negotiations o a new deal as early as July, 1st, and will most likely be in line for a raise.

Marner, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Maple Leafs, posted 26 goals and 59 assists for a total of 85 points in 69 games in the 2023-24 season. He could very well finish his current deal in Toronto, but maybe not his NHL career.