The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to numerous free agents and trade options recently, but the organization itself has been relatively quiet since the season ended.
That changed on June 29, when new head coach Craig Berube spoke publicly for the first time since replacing Sheldon Keefe.
In an interview with Luke Fox from Sportsnet, Berube expressed his thoughts on Mitch Marner, stating that he looks forward to coaching him in the 2024-25 season during training camp.
“He’s a character guy,” Berube said on June 29. “He’s a great person and obviously a great player. I’m looking forward to coaching him.”
The last public appearance of Berube and Marner together was in May, when a photo of them at a coffee shop went viral on social media.
Just two days after this meeting, Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff ranked Marner as the top trade target for the 2024 offseason. This ranking was confirmed again on June 28.
“GM Brad Treliving called Marner a ‘star’ during a media session in Vegas, but didn’t divulge much,” Seravalli wrote. “The Leafs are actively considering trading Marner this summer and are open to discussions.”
The challenge for Toronto, according to Seravalli, is finding a team willing to match Marner’s value. Furthermore, Marner would have to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate any move.
Marner’s contract includes a no-move clause, allowing him to veto any trade. The deal, worth $65.4 million over six years, runs through the 2024-25 season, with Marner set to earn $10.9 million next year.
He finished the 2023-24 season with 26 goals and 59 assists, totaling 85 points in 69 games, and added three points in seven playoff games.
The Maple Leafs are still undecided on whether to trade Marner or offer him a contract extension.
Chris Johnston from The Athletic mentioned on a June 15 podcast that the Leafs have not finalized their decision on Marner’s future.
“They haven’t decided to trade him or not,” Johnston said. “They’re assessing the situation and quietly exploring the trade market.”
If there’s interest, the next step would be to see if Marner is open to a trade.
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