Eklund: From A TOP Source: Mitch Marner is still not a happy camper and likely gone

Good to hear that Mitch is re-signing. Hope the number is manageable.

If the Leafs go out early - esp to Sens…

it would be reasonable to expect big changes…

what and who are involved in those is anybody’s guess…

Plug

Let his job interview be the upcoming playoffs.

Hey Mitch, It’s the Leafs. If you wanna be here shoulda signed yesterday. If you and yo agent wanna play headgames take a walk, we’ll find a way to replace you either in ‘25 or ‘26.

Signed

Every Leaf’s fan

Seriously if Marner wants to be a sour puss and walk as a UFA, no Leaf’s fan should give it a second thought.

Find a way to get Kadri back and offer a mid round for no retention. Sign Kane for $3.5-$4M for a season to play RW. That’s 40-50 goals and around 120 points combined for MM current money!! That’s two proven playoff performers.

Re up Tavares and Knies.

Overall better roster than this season…and we might win the division this season!

After this report I expect a contract announcement before the playoffs.

There has been a noticeable up tick in performance, energy, and engagement with Marner. Where was this player 2 years ago? A specific play really stands out to me, it was where Marner lost his stick but continued to defend, crouched down to block a shot and direct it out of the zone and hustled to get things going the other way. I had not seen that out of this particular player. I am also seeing him have fun with turning smart simple defensive play into amazing scoring chances. Someone has motivated him in the right ways and it will continue into the play offs.

I think a commitment to Marner now is the right thing to do. He has shown another level and I hope he sustains that after he signs, thats always the worry.

With Hudson, Demidov, Laine et al Marner may want to go to a team looking to win. Montreal might consider.

With Hudson, Demidov, Laine et al Marner may want to go to a team looking to win. Montreal might consider.
- mckawalley

I wonder if he'll feel that way, once the Leafs punk them on Saturday night?

Marner played a dangerous game playing out the season to maximize his next contract. If he doesn't hit 100pts, that'll be a black mark. If the Leafs go out early that'll be the second strike. Marner could have taken the Nylander deal and been a hero. Instead, he wanted to play mercenary. He gets what he deserves. At least Rantanen would have signed when he got here.

If the Leafs go out early - esp to Sens…

it would be reasonable to expect big changes…

what and who are involved in those is anybody’s guess…
- dozerD10

Matthews, Nylander, Tavares, Marner - they will run it back until 2030. Dummmies

Seriously if Marner wants to be a sour puss and walk as a UFA, no Leaf’s fan should give it a second thought.

Find a way to get Kadri back and offer a mid round for no retention. Sign Kane for $3.5-$4M for a season to play RW. That’s 40-50 goals and around 120 points combined for MM current money!! That’s two proven playoff performers.

Re up Tavares and Knies.

Overall better roster than this season…and we might win the division this season!
- Turnitaround

But still lose in the first round.

Hey Mitch, Kyle Dubas on line 1.

It is very clear that the only way Marner stays is if the Leafs win the Cup and he is a big part of it. I don't even think a SCF appearance changes minds unless he has a truckload of points.

Rantanen is a proven winner that any team with good management would take over Marner for the same money, and he is going to be making 2.5 million less.

I hope Marner makes me eat my words, but fool me 5x...