Mitch Marner's Toronto Maple Leafs future gets concerning update from trusted insider
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Mitch Marner and John Tavares are two Toronto Maple Leafs players who will be up for new contract come next summer.
There has been lots of talk about Tavares and how he potentially gave up the captaincy to leverage a new deal. Moreover, Marner had a weak playoffs, but the team still wants to keep him around long-term. Regardless of whether or not a deal gets done, we do know that both players will cost whoever signs them a pretty penny.
Recently, NHL insider Chris Johnston was interviewed by TSN Overdrive 1050 "First Up" show. During the interview, Johnston was asked who would get a contract first: Marner or Tavares? Shockingly, Johnston believes it will be Tavares.
"I think I'll go Tavares but I'm not saying Marner isn't going to sign one, I just don't know if the Leafs are going to be able to accommodate the kind of deal he's going to want.
Feeling as though there was probably a path [after the passing of the torch to Auston Matthews] for Tavares to extend the runway in Toronto. Clearly, to me, he was the star of the show and showed such grace in doing so. There's no way that [passing the C to Matthews] was his idea, but he obviously handled it well and so it just seems to me that he's highly motivated to stay in Toronto. Obviously his next contract is going to come at a cap hit that's reduced from where he's at today. So sitting here this morning, I'll say he's more likely to stay."
Feeling as though there was probably a path [after the passing of the torch to Auston Matthews] for Tavares to extend the runway in Toronto. Clearly, to me, he was the star of the show and showed such grace in doing so. There's no way that [passing the C to Matthews] was his idea, but he obviously handled it well and so it just seems to me that he's highly motivated to stay in Toronto. Obviously his next contract is going to come at a cap hit that's reduced from where he's at today. So sitting here this morning, I'll say he's more likely to stay."
No matter what, the Maple Leafs are in a tough spot. They need to keep the core four together, but it is going to be costly, and will prevent them from adding to their depth. Not to mention, with Auston Matthews as the new captain, there is no telling what the team's chemistry will be like this season.
Who do you think will get a contract first? John Tavares or Mitch Marner? Let us know in the poll down below and stay tuned to Hockey Unplugged for the latest news and updates from around the hockey world.
| POLL | ||
22 AOUT | 70 ANSWERS Mitch Marner's Toronto Maple Leafs future gets concerning update from trusted insider Who will sign a deal first with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| John Tavares | 45 | 64.3 % |
| Mitch Marner | 25 | 35.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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