Mitch Marner Makes Shocking Offer to Maple Leafs Ahead of Free Agency, per Elliotte Friedman
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Mitch Marner made a shocking offer to the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of free agency, according to Elliotte Friedman.
By now, most fans and analysts have accepted that Mitch Marner's time in Toronto is coming to an end. Following yet another tough year, the star forward has long been expected to leave as an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Reports confirmed he has refused to engage in extension talks with the Maple Leafs and even declined to waive his no-movement clause during the season, blocking any potential trade.
So why would Marner suddenly be open to a meeting with Toronto once free agency opens?
In a surprising twist, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed on Sunday's episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast that Marner's camp has offered the Maple Leafs a meeting, just like they plan to do with other interested teams, just like they plan to do with other interested teams.
The idea of Marner meeting again with a team he's seemingly had no interest in re-signing with has raised eyebrows across the league.
I think, and again nobody is confirming this, I think the Maple Leafs were offered one of the meetings.
Another team told me it was kind of funny to them because they are like 'Why would the Maple Leafs? What possibly could be the benefit of a meeting between Marner and the Maple Leafs? They already know everything about each other?"
Another team told me it was kind of funny to them because they are like 'Why would the Maple Leafs? What possibly could be the benefit of a meeting between Marner and the Maple Leafs? They already know everything about each other?"
Listen to the full 32 Thoughts episode here:
It's unclear whether the Leafs will accept the meeting, or if it's simply a procedural move by Marner's camp to keep options open. The Leafs, after all, are already intimately familiar with the player, his game, and his contract demands.
While many expected Marner's decision to be announced quickly on July 1, Friedman hinted that the winger could take a more measured approach. He may choose to meet with multiple teams, and potentially visit their facilities, before making a final decision.
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JUIN 16 | 679 ANSWERS Mitch Marner Makes Shocking Offer to Maple Leafs Ahead of Free Agency, per Elliotte Friedman Do you think Mitch Marner will meet with the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of free agency? | ||
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| No | 361 | 53.2 % |
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