NHL Rumors: Would It Be A Surprise If Mitch Marner Was On The Map Next Season?

SPDN: Julien McKenzie asks Chris Johnston if he would be surprised if Mitch Marner starts next season with the Toronto Maple Leafs

McKenzie: “How surprised would you be if Mitch Marner starts next season with the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Johnston: “I would say I wouldn't be that surprised because, you know, it seems like he's comfortable playing his free year. The only reason I can think it would have to happen is that he was in a position where he needed an extension this summer, as if he didn't feel comfortable going into that final season.

NHL Rumors: Will Mitch Marner Return With Toronto Maple Leafs Next Year?

There's an occupational hazard if you do that, right? If you have a major injury, it may affect your future earnings, things like that. I mean, in general, NHL players prefer as much safety as possible due to the nature of the game they play.

But the fact that Mitch Marner is committed to playing until next summer and can pursue free agency during that time, makes it possible for him to remain a member of the Maple Leafs.

It is too soon to announce that it will happen. Of course I don't. But, you know, I think he and he both have to live with the fact that, it's going to be difficult to organize something that satisfies everyone here.

The team or city Mitch is comfortable with, the trade return that makes the leaves go. 'Do you know what, while we are in the process of winning the cup, we are determined to pull the plug on this deal.'

NHL Rumors: Does Toronto Maple Leafs GM Want To Extend Mitch Marner Rather Than Trade?

And you know, at the end of the day, Mitch himself, he was inclined to stay Leaf. So I think everybody should be on the lookout for the possibility, the very possibility, that he's back with that team next season.