It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the end of the 2023-24 season, but there’s plenty to talk about on the hot stove. A total of 30 teams didn’t make the Stanley Cup Final. These clubs long to take the next step. Some of the talk began when teams were eliminated at that talk hasn’t stopped. One of those clubs is the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have been hearing trade rumours. However, this edition of NHL rumours looks at a possible contract extension for one of those embattled forwards.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Toronto Maple Leafs Forward Could Get Extension
Rumour: TSN insider Darren Dreger was on TSN 1050 and he said the Leafs would rather extend Mitch Marner than trade him.
Dreger on First Up on TSN1050 talking Marner/Leafs: “I think Toronto would rather extend than trade”
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 18, 2024
Analysis: Marner has seemingly become one of the scapegoats in another early Toronto exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The fan base has been frustrated with his disappearing act in the post-season. Many have wanted Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving to deal the former London Knights standout.
The rumours of Marner getting traded have rampant since Toronto was eliminated by the Boston Bruins in the first round. Many wanted him out of the first plane or train out of the city. However, it’s not so easy to deal a player with a full no-movement clause.
Extension Instead of Trade
Dreger now hears chatter that Marner is a candidate for an extension. The Markham, Ontario native will go into the last year of his deal that sees him make around $11 million. Marner has been a two-time 30-goal and multiple-time 90-point scorer and is probably seeking a raise of some sort. However, some wonder if the price tag is a bit too high with Toronto already paying big bucks to Auston Matthews and William Nylander.
Toronto will also see the deal of team captain John Tavares come up at the end of next season. Tavares is also making $11 million and one wonders if the Leafs should move on from one or both players.
The price may seem a bit high to keep Marner and not address other needs on the club. There is some good news about the salary cap going up. However, it’s a lot of money to devote to only three or four players. Marner does have great regular season numbers, but Leafs fans are aching for post-season success.
The Big Questions
There are plenty of things to think about when it comes to the next move for Marner. We’ve discussed in previous editions about some trepidation about Toronto dealing Marner. The organization is reminded of what Nazem Kadri did with the Colorado Avalanche after he was dealt. There’s a realistic fear that Marner will thrive if he is traded.
Treliving also doesn’t want to lose a top player for nothing. Making a deal will be hard because it seems like Marner holds all the cards. He would have to approve on a deal and it’s hard to make a trade without leverage.
Extending Marner would mean Toronto keeps a top-tier player. However, the Leafs have been handcuffed by the lack of being able to fix their defence and goaltending. Doing things on the cheap at other positions could doom Toronto to more May and June tee times instead of a parade down Yonge Street.
Toronto’s GM is going to face scrutiny no matter the move. However, the decision to extend Marner instead of trading him could be putting a bandaid over a problem instead of giving the roster major surgery. It’s lining up to be an interesting summer in the Six.
Main photo by: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
