Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving addressed Mitch Marner’s uncertain future on Sunday, as the star forward approaches unrestricted free agency on July 1. With ongoing discussions and speculation about a potential trade involving Marner’s signing rights, Treliving remained cautious about revealing specifics.
Maple Leafs Management Weighs Trade and Free Agency Options for Marner
Treliving confirmed conversations with Marner and his agent, Darren Ferris, but indicated that Marner is expected to enter free agency unless significant changes occur. If the Maple Leafs deal Marner’s rights before July 1, the acquiring team could immediately sign him to a long-term contract. Marner’s anticipated salary demand is between $13 million and $14 million per year.
“You’d always like to get something, right? That’s not always the case. That’s probably as far as I want to get into it, but we’ll see how things go.”
—Brad Treliving, Toronto Maple Leafs GM
Reports have surfaced of trade discussions between the Maple Leafs and the Vegas Golden Knights. However, insider Elliotte Friedman has noted that Toronto may file tampering charges against Vegas should they sign Marner without proper negotiations.
Team Changes Loom Following Playoff Disappointment
The Maple Leafs were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Florida Panthers, who went on to win the Stanley Cup. Treliving acknowledged the need for a shift in the team‘s core makeup and mindset to change the recurring outcomes.
“There’s some DNA that has to change in our team. If you keep getting to the same result… (and) That’s on me going forward.”
—Brad Treliving, Toronto Maple Leafs GM
Marner, 28, was drafted fourth overall by Toronto in 2015 and has been a key contributor for nine seasons. Despite his individual success, the team has only won two playoff series during his tenure, and a championship has yet to be secured.
Marner’s Commitment to Toronto Remains Unclear Amid Uncertainty
Following the playoff exit, Marner expressed affection for Toronto but stopped short of confirming his desire to remain with the team. The cancellation of his annual charity event in the city further fueled speculation about his future.
“We’ve had communication… I’d probably describe it [that] unless there is significant change here, I would anticipate he’s going to hit the market… We’ll see where things go.”
—Brad Treliving, Toronto Maple Leafs GM
Given the current situation and lack of decisive agreements, it appears likely that Mitch Marner will enter unrestricted free agency this summer, potentially reshaping the Maple Leafs’ roster and future prospects.