Mitch Marner's camp appear to have made an official decision on next season

It seems like insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet might be right about Mitch Marner staying with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the rest of his contract.

«One of the things a few people have told me is not to be surprised if this plays out over next season with Marner in Toronto,» Friedman said.

On Wednesday, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported that Marner's camp wants to focus on the upcoming season instead of entertaining rumors about a possible trade this summer. Marner plans to honor the final year of his contract and hasn't submitted any list of preferred trade destinations to the Maple Leafs' management.

This makes sense because Marner has a full no-movement clause, meaning Toronto cannot trade or waive him without his permission. General manager Brad Treliving acknowledged this, stating:

«Mitch controls a lot of this whole thing (with the no-trade). If there's a way to make our team better, we're going to do it. But we're certainly not going to make a trade just so we can pound our chest and say, �Look, we're different.

Friedman also revealed that there is little chance of a contract extension being discussed this summer, but talks might happen later depending on how the season goes.

While Marner's camp seems determined that he will stay in Toronto, there might be a trade offer that he can't refuse. However, it's unlikely the Maple Leafs would benefit much from a Marner trade, as his current deal has him earning over $10.9 million against the cap. Marner and his camp can start negotiations on a new deal as early as July 1st, and he will likely be in line for a raise.

Marner, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Maple Leafs, scored 26 goals and 59 assists for a total of 85 points in 69 games in the 2023-24 season. He could very well finish his current contract in Toronto, but maybe not his NHL career.

Previously on PuckReporter

Maple Leafs officially hire former Stanley Cup champion in unusual coaching role

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving breaks silence about trading star Mitch Marner

Valeri Nichushkin finds a way to resume career after getting banned by the NHL

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