Mitch Marner Likely to Test Free Agency as Contract Nears Expiration
Mitch Marner is in the final season of his six-year, $65.41 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and all indications suggest he will explore free agency. Despite being the subject of trade rumors last summer, Marner remained with the team and has emerged as Toronto’s most impactful player this season.
Insiders Predict Marner Will Test the Open Market
According to TSN NHL insider Bob McKenzie, Marner is more likely to become a free agent than to re-sign with Toronto.
“Players like Marner are difficult to come by, and if you don’t do well in the playoffs, you gotta keep working at it. I know Leafs fans don’t like to hear that, but I would try to sign him,” McKenzie stated on TSN’s The Quiz. “I don’t think it will happen. I think he’s much more likely to go to free agency, and I think the Leafs understand that. But do I think they will try? Absolutely.”
If Marner reaches free agency, he could be one of the most sought-after players on the market. The 26-year-old winger has been highly productive, tallying 16 goals and 55 assists for 71 points in 56 games this season.
Marner’s Agent Known for Testing Market Value
TSN’s Darren Dreger also believes Marner is likely to explore free agency, citing his agent Darren Ferris’ negotiating style. Ferris has a history of bringing his clients to the open market to gauge their true worth.
“Look, Brad Treliving as GM doesn’t have to play by Darren Ferris’ rules,” Dreger explained on First Up. “He can go directly to Mitch or to Ferris and say, ‘I need an answer. We need to get into negotiations.’ He’s had a hell of a year… But Ferris’ strategy with top players is to get them to free agency and let the market determine their value.”
While the Leafs may attempt to re-sign Marner before free agency begins, history suggests he will at least test the waters before making a decision.
Marner Gains Confidence from 4 Nations Face-Off
A frequent criticism of Marner has been his performance in high-pressure playoff situations, particularly in Game 6 and Game 7 matchups. However, his recent success in the 4 Nations Face-Off may boost his confidence heading into the postseason.
Marner played a key role in Canada’s victory, scoring the overtime winner against Sweden and assisting on the championship-winning goal.
“Confidence. Belief, also, in a way,” Marner said. “I’ll try to take this the rest of the season and move forward.”
Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper, who led Team Canada, praised Marner’s ability to step up in crucial moments.
“That kid can make plays,” Cooper said. “He just needed one chance to make a play, and he did.”
What’s Next for Marner and the Maple Leafs?
Drafted fourth overall by Toronto in 2015, Marner has been a key part of the franchise for nearly a decade. While the Leafs will likely make a strong effort to re-sign him, the combination of his agent’s negotiation tactics and Marner’s potential market value makes free agency a very real possibility.
For now, the focus remains on the rest of the season and the playoffs, where Marner will look to prove his worth once again. However, his future in Toronto remains uncertain, and fans may have to prepare for the possibility of losing one of their franchise cornerstones.
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