Player Discussion Mitch Marner, Continued

[Nineteen67]

I don't think that's the case at all. The decision to retain or let him walk won't be made over a few games.


This guy gets it.

It’s been more than a few games. You can’t pay him 12 million if he can’t play.

 

[ZEBROA]

Dude is getting resigned 100% and some fans are just going to have to deal with it. It's very obvious he's our most important player after Matthews, and his ice time proves that. There may have been a question about how he would fit in a Berube system, but I think we have that answer already.

All fans need to deal with all signings but they dont need to like them, or think that it is the best for the team.

IMO We could get better without him and we could get worse. It depends. If he gets resigned for a lot, the heat will turn up even more. I hope he can handle that. That is what i am most worried about.

 

[ACC1224]

It’s been more than a few games. You can’t pay him 12 million if he can’t play.

You just said yourself they would decide on this seasons playoffs.

 

[Nineteen67]

He's already proven he can play in the playoffs. Some of his postseasons haven't been good, sure, but others have. The Leafs mgmt arent stupid. They know he was coming off a major injury last postseason. They will take the entire body of work into consideration when making a major decision like this.

They can set the parameters, which may differ from ours, and if he meets them they’ll re-sign him.

They’re in a tough spot. I’m not convinced they can win big with the three amigos and Marner is likely the best of the three.

 

[Nineteen67]

You just said yourself they would decide on this seasons playoffs.

It’s a cumulation, and this is his last chance.

 

[GoonieFace]

It’s been more than a few games. You can’t pay him 12 million if he can’t play.

They can and they will. I expect an extension mid season. 8 years @ $12/mil per season. For Leaf fans sake, I hope they can find some playoff success.

 

[supermann_98]

I really believe win or lose in the first round the Leafs offer Marner a contract in the neighborhood of $12m for 8 years. If he takes it they will all be happy, if he doesn’t I’d send that same offer to Rantanen except for 7 years and $12.6m. I’m sure based on what MacKinnon is making in Colorado ($12.6m) they’d have a hard time giving Rants the same amount and we’d have a big-bodied power forward 50 goal scorer to replace the skinny wimp who disappears in the playoffs

 

[Nineteen67]

They can and they will. I expect an extension mid season. 8 years @ $12/mil per season. For Leaf fans sake, I hope they can find some playoff success.

That is an option. But if it doesn’t work again, then what?

 

[ACC1224]

It’s a cumulation, and this is his last chance.

If it's a 'cumulation' a few more games wouldn't make a difference.

 

[ToneDog]

He's already proven he can play in the playoffs. Some of his postseasons haven't been good, sure, but others have. The Leafs mgmt arent stupid. They know he was coming off a major injury last postseason. They will take the entire body of work into consideration when making a major decision like this.

The Leafs mgmt are stupid and you can't fix stupid.

Sorry not putting myself in cap hell for another 4-8 years for a player on a 16 goal, 72 point pace and a 1 and 8 in the playoffs. His numbers in games 5-7 are even worse.

How many more playoff failures do we need to see before we finally admit that this core cannot get it done?

 

[ITM]

Basically don’t sing praises til we see the playoffs

I'm right there with you, to the point in fact, I've repeatedly stated on our boards, that my focus is on July 1st, 2025 given our other obvious depth needs that likely can't be addressed without the windfall from what's leftover of MM's and JT's present cap hits.

But I think its a good habit of serious fanbases to appear balanced and give credit where and when its due. If he regresses...I'll be here to note it.

 

[Roo]

The Leafs mgmt are stupid and you can't fix stupid.

Sorry not putting myself in cap hell for another 4-8 years for a player on a 16 goal, 72 point pace and a 1 and 8 in the playoffs. His numbers in games 5-7 are even worse.

How many more playoff failures do we need to see before we finally admit that this core cannot get it done?

I get that Leaf fans are frustrated, and rightfully so, but stupid would be walking away from a talented player like Marner, in my opinion. Teams generally don't do that. Also, the cap is going up, and Tavares' $11M comes down. So, are we really in cap hell?

Who are you spending the money on in UFA that will make us better and improves our flexibility cap-wise?

I really believe win or lose in the first round the Leafs offer Marner a contract in the neighborhood of $12m for 8 years. If he takes it they will all be happy, if he doesn’t I’d send that same offer to Rantanen except for 7 years and $12.6m. I’m sure based on what MacKinnon is making in Colorado ($12.6m) they’d have a hard time giving Rants the same amount and we’d have a big-bodied power forward 50 goal scorer to replace the skinny wimp who disappears in the playoffs

If he makes it to UFA. Doubt he makes it, players like him generally don't become available as UFA. Even if he does, it doesn't mean he's coming here.

 

[ToneDog]

I get that Leaf fans are frustrated, and rightfully so, but stupid would be walking away from a talented player like Marner, in my opinion. Teams generally don't do that. Also, the cap is going up, and Tavares' $11M comes down. So, are we really in cap hell?

Who are you spending the money on in UFA that will make us better and improves our flexibility cap-wise?

If you keep Marner and Tavares (as many expect), how much do you have left for Knies after Woll and McCabe get their raises? Our bottom 6 is a black hole as it stands and if they are punted in round #1, you can't run it back and seriously think the outcome will be any different.

I am fine with resigning Marner at the right price. Unfortunately what he thinks is the right price, nobody except the Leafs will pay. Same was true for 88.

 

[GoonieFace]

That is an option. But if it doesn’t work again, then what?

I doubt that concerns Leafs management. They keep the band together and than have a group retirement ceremony

 

[Antropovsky]

You ever notice Marner talking about keeping it light and fun.

I can't believe a professional hockey player earning millions of dollars would say this. Like he's some fat retired old man playing in a beer league. To Mitch it's all about not stressing and just having fun.

Winning is only a secondary consideration at best.

A far cry from the philosophy of real champions. There's a difference between the mindset Marner has and the mindset players like Messier, Yzerman, and Trottier possessed. If asked why they played fun would not be their answer.

So hard to believe it was just a few short years ago I still thought this team was gonna win the cup.

The sad thing is the first time I said that was a few years ago. It's no longer been a "few short years". It's now been years since I thought this team was gonna win a cup... period.

And with players like Marner who don't have a problem with losing around it's easy to see why.

Agreed...in the playoffs last year, both Paul B and Hrudey on separate networks highlighted how pathetic Marners efforts were in the playoffs. He's absolutely frightened of physical hockey. Watch the videos I posted of him being on the ice during scrums... he literally tries skating by the scrums when his teamates are being jumped - acting like he doesn't even notice it. I've never seen anything like it before. Also there is the two pulling the chute videos. Marners brain is clearly thinking too much about avoiding injury than he is about winning or scoring.

Is he afraid of the hits? Or is he concerned about staying healthy to cash in on his next contract? Who knows but the videos don't lie, this guy is petrified of physical play.


Hrudey bashes Marners effort:


Paul B bashes Marners effort:

 

[francis246]

Hopefully he realizes that he won’t get a contract extension with the Leafs until he proves he can play in the playoffs. They can negotiate this season and if he meets the agreed upon parameters then he re-signs, if not then they let him walk. Trading him seems unlikely, but if tgey can’t agree on contract that is an option, too.

Do we know this to be true? Why are we speaking in absolutes? They gave Nylander an extension before the playoffs. Do I think it’s right? No, but I won’t be surprised if he’s signed to an extension mid season

 

[Confucius]

hahaha

Last 5 Marner and Matthews still 3 and 4th averaging basically the same kind of production

last 4 year they still both in top 4 2nd and 4th with pretty similar production...

Yeah for sure it's certainly 2019 the only reason of all this, you're right....... nice joke

We can’t deny Mathews has carried Marner to 3 more points this year. So Marner has tallied 19 of his 22 points so far without the help of a Mathews goal

 

[francis246]

The Leafs mgmt are stupid and you can't fix stupid.

Sorry not putting myself in cap hell for another 4-8 years for a player on a 16 goal, 72 point pace and a 1 and 8 in the playoffs. His numbers in games 5-7 are even worse.

How many more playoff failures do we need to see before we finally admit that this core cannot get it done?

Cap hell? The cap will be upwards of 100 million. The leafs won’t be in cap hell 2 or 3 years into his deal let alone 8.

I think our best depth scoring options are baking in the AHL and CHL. I don’t think the leafs are going to spend to the cap this off season. The UFA talent isn’t there. I think they spend assets for a center with term or one that will agree to an extension. They’ll sign a depth winger and then graduate some forwards. Greb, Minten, Cowan will be leafs next year and we accrue cap to add at the 2026 deadline with a good dcore that’s locked up. The leafs are probably in the best position they’ve been in since 2017/2018

 

[francis246]

If you keep Marner and Tavares (as many expect), how much do you have left for Knies after Woll and McCabe get their raises? Our bottom 6 is a black hole as it stands and if they are punted in round #1, you can't run it back and seriously think the outcome will be any different.

I am fine with resigning Marner at the right price. Unfortunately what he thinks is the right price, nobody except the Leafs will pay. Same was true for 88.

I know it makes me sound crazy but I really believe the leafs are gonna walk from Tavares or he’s going to do them a solid and come back extremely cheap under market value. I’m thinking the O’Reilly deal. But under 5 million. I think Knies signs a bridge deal. It sounds like Jarnkrok’s injury is very serious, he’s seeing a specialist in NYC so who knows if he plays again as a leaf. The money will be there. Like I mentioned before I don’t think the leafs really want to spend to the cap. We got guys on ELC’s who can play.

 

[ToneDog]

Cap hell? The cap will be upwards of 100 million. The leafs won’t be in cap hell 2 or 3 years into his deal let alone 8.

I think our best depth scoring options are baking in the AHL and CHL. I don’t think the leafs are going to spend to the cap this off season. The UFA talent isn’t there. I think they spend assets for a center with term or one that will agree to an extension. They’ll sign a depth winger and then graduate some forwards. Greb, Minten, Cowan will be leafs next year and we accrue cap to add at the 2026 deadline with a good dcore that’s locked up. The leafs are probably in the best position they’ve been in since 2017/2018

Matty rings the bell in 3 more years. Other than Cowan, not bullish on any of our prospects. Definitely need a #2C sooner than later. I do not see them winning a SC with this core and that plan next year so we wait. Meanwhile JT, Tanev and OEL continue to age.

 

[therealkoho]

I seem to recall there was resentment in his camp that he was sent back to jr after being drafted 4th overall.

Stirring stirring stirring

It didn't happen

 

[therealkoho]

He had an awful camp immediately after being drafted, he wasn’t ready. Turned out to be the best thing for him. I think it was the bonuses. He was told no one gets them, so he agreed to sign understanding that would be the organizational standard and at the time he was the organizations best prospect. That was immediately thrown out the door the next year with Matthews. That would definitely create some resentment.

There's a lot of resentment around Matthews contracts especially the 2nd contract. Dubas screwed the whole thing up and created dissension needlessly. He's a sniveling liar who plays favourites out loud.

 

[Nineteen67]

If it's a 'cumulation' a few more games wouldn't make a difference.

It would if he plays well and doesn’t get pushed out of a series, again. If he does then it would be best to cut ties.

 

[francis246]

Matty rings the bell in 3 more years. Other than Cowan, not bullish on any of our prospects. Definitely need a #2C sooner than later. I do not see them winning a SC with this core and that plan next year so we wait. Meanwhile JT, Tanev and OEL continue to age.

I think If they get a 2C and commit to spreading out the talent like they did against Tampa, I see them potentially making an oilers like run. The east is weak this year and we finally have some goaltending and competent D. Even if you look at the game against Washington they scored 5 goals, two. Called back. I think we need a center and one more winger . Have you been watching Marlies. Grebyokin is dominating. He’s an NHLer. He was an offensive guy in the KHL which is harder to score in than the AHL. His AHL numbers are really good this year to start too.

There's a lot of resentment around Matthews contracts especially the 2nd contract. Dubas screwed the whole thing up and created dissension needlessly. He's a sniveling liar who plays favourites out loud.

I hear you, but Lou Lam was the one who lied about the first contract. Dubas wasn’t the GM yet when Marner signed his ELC. But in hindsight leaving those negotiations to a rookie GM was a horrible decision.

 

[DarkKnight]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1857209822241763567

Sticks and stones may break my bones but your words will never hurt me.

That's because I'm rubber, and you're glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you.

Zero.

Hopefully he realizes that he won’t get a contract extension with the Leafs until he proves he can play in the playoffs. They can negotiate this season and if he meets the agreed upon parameters then he re-signs, if not then they let him walk. Trading him seems unlikely, but if tgey can’t agree on contract that is an option, too.

I think he signs during the season, but will see.