Elliotte Friedman Makes Huge Declaration About Mitch Marner's Future with the Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner is up for a new contract and the negotiations aren't exactly going anywhere, which has led to lots of concern.
Mitch Marner is currently having a career year with the Toronto Maple Leafs as he has 76 points in 60 games.
The hometown hero is in a contract year, and there has been a lot of concern surrounding his situation and whether or not the Maple Leafs will be able to tie him down longterm.
Mitch Marner and Toronto Maple Leafs contract negotiations
There are reports that Marner is looking for more money than Auston Matthews, something the franchise isn't willing to make happen, regardless of the salary cap.
It is expected that the contract negotiations will continue into the summer and that the forward will end up testing free agency.
While making an appearance on the Cam & Strick Podcast, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet weighed in on the situation involving Mitch Marner and the Leafs.
In Friedman's eyes, everyone understands the stakes and that the forward's hometown connection will ultimately make him want to re-sign.
"I understand it all. It's not easy. But, a) he's a great player, and b) I think everybody will regret it if he leaves. I think the team will have a huge hole. I think he really does love being a Leaf, and when he retires, he should be known as the greatest Toronto-born Maple Leaf ever."
If for some reason this deal does not get done, then it is expected that teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and the Utah Hockey Club will go after Marner.
He could command upwards of $14 million per year on his next contract, however, this is all contingent on the Maple Leafs playoff run and whether or not he plays well during it.
For Maple Leafs fans, the next few months will be filled with anxiety as there is truly no predicting the future. At this point, things could go either way.
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