Mitch Marner trade in jeopardy as new coach makes pitch to keep him

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Josh Tupper
June 8, 2024 (1:25 PM)

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According to a recent report new Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube doesn't want the team to trade Mitch Marner and would prefer to coach him.

After the Toronto Maple Leafs season concluded, it seemed like change was inevitable. In less than a month, the situation that appeared certain at first is uncertain once more. News of Marner's probable refusal to accept a trade or sign a contract extension surfaced earlier this week.

Following the season, a picture of Mitch Marner having coffee with the newly hired head coach of the Maple Leafs, Craig Berube, became viral online. Many were taken aback by the image, particularly in light of the controversy surrounding Marner's potential transfer to Toronto.

Why was a brand new head coach meeting with a player that the organization would likely look to trade? Well now we may have an answer.

According to two separate accounts on X, information is now available that new head coach Craig Berube is hoping to coach Marner next season.

Sources have indicated that Craig Berube has been vocal that he wants an opportunity to coach Mitch Marner.

Feels he's a special player and the coach believes he can unlock another level to his game.

#LeafsForever    #Insider

This was followed up by a similar report.

Ran into Paul at TPC Toronto, and he reiterated the desire for Berube to coach Mitch.
Seems internally the Leafs want to see what a new coach can do.

The Maple Leafs will still have to deal with this obstacle. Any newcomer to the group will always be able to see the unrealized potential this group possesses, no matter how hard they try. Everyone believes they have what it takes to reach their potential and stop that player from burning them out and moving on.

It will take time to see if the new head coach has enough internal respect to get his way or if Marner's eight-year history will be too much to overcome.

Source: Blade of Steel
One member of the Toronto Maple Leafs doesn't want Mitch Marner traded