Now that the dust has somewhat settled on what turned out to be a very newsworthy deadline for the Maple Leafs, it’s time for this team to lock in and focus on the stretch drive to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In the grand scheme of things, regardless of what’s transpired in the past week, I don’t think much has changed. Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of pathways toward positive resolution for Mitch Marner and the Maple Leafs with respect to contract negotiations.
Any way you slice it, one thing remains crystal clear: If Marner has a big spring, Toronto will be open to banking up the Brink’s truck for the All-Star winger. Plain and simple.
The two sides reportedly haven’t had meaningful discussions this season on an extension.
So, what?
From the get-go, it made an abundance of sense for the can to be kicked down the road. As evident by the Mikko Rantanen situation, it’s always a massive game of he said, she said. That’s why I’m always extremely careful with what I do or don’t believe. Who knows what the full story truly is? It’s all speculation — at this point. For me, all the hoopla from over the weekend is funny. It’s been quiet on the Marner front all season long. And now, out of seemingly nowhere, leaks are coming left and right. It’s on like Donkey Kong.
To his credit, Marner has been spectacular this season. Without question, he has put himself in a great position to get paid —whether it’s with his hometown Maple Leafs or with another club.
At the end of the day, if it’s meant to be, the two sides will find a way to get a deal done. If not, life will go on. It’s a business. Honestly, it’s not the worst thing in the world to have a motivated Marner come the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If he performs, it likely means the team’s doing well, too. On top of that, it’s just my opinion, but I think Brad Treliving and company would be more willing to get to an exorbitant number with the Marner camp if the 27-year-old can prove that he’s able to be a difference-maker in the postseason.
This is the ultimate game of chicken, one that will likely play out late into the month of June.
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