I think this is going to be a game of brinksmanship and reworking the relationship to suit Marner.
Draft is going to roll by, the free agent options will look paltry and after the dust has settled on the season, maybe the Panthers run roughshod on the playoffs, suddenly the Leafs finish doesn’t look so bad.
Marner swings around, says he’s willing to listen and MLSE opens up the vaults on an overpay. You bet on talent and everything staying exactly the same. All of a sudden it looks like Marner is choosing Toronto. Thanks Darren Ferris.
Please pinch me to see if I'm awake, because I believe I'm in the midst of a nightmare currently.
This might all come down to Keith Pelley President & CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. When hired he claimed a strong desire to win multiple championships and not just sell jerseys of fan favourites. .
However money talks and the MLSE B.O.D might just see the value of putting a product that includes Marner on the ice for entertainment purposes, to validate the cost of admission (highest in the NHL). Making the playoffs with skilled talent, might override desire for playoff success. Not every team that walks away from a 100 point player without fearing a potential negative impact on the regular season. So when catering to investors and shareholders and luxury suite owners etc. this might be more about good business than winning championships as the greatest priority.
Fans desire for Championships, sometimes do not align with ownership when business practices and franchise values are concerned, when not owned by a single owner that desires the same final outcome.
Therefore a finely crafted speech, coming from the names of Larry Tannenbaum, Rogers Communications and all others associated with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) and delivered by CEO Keith Pelley announcing the re-signing will not come as any surprise to me.
My hope was always attached to finding a suitable replacement (Cap and Talent) as a Rantanen signing would have provided that opportunity, and likely why all MLSE, Shanahan and others supported the trade opportuntiy voided by the Marner NMC. Marner for Rantanen is a lot different situation then selling Marner for nothing but Free Cap space, when financially your resources are unlimited.