Marner has been the target of trade rumours since Toronto was eliminated from the playoffs, as he enters the final year of his seven-year, $65.4 million contract inked in 2019. Although Marner has been teased in numerous trades, no move has been done, and Johnston expects him to continue in Toronto.
“I would just say that Mitch Marner is more than likely to return to the club. We’ll see how things develop as time goes on. I believe they are okay with Mitch Marner returning if that is what happens, if there isn’t enough interest, or if a trade makes sense,” Johnston stated on The Chris Johnston Show.
Despite the trade rumours, Toronto is certain that Marner will return for the 2024-25 NHL season and complete the final year of his contract.
Marner scored 26 goals and 59 assists for 85 points in 69 regular-season games with Toronto last year.
New Maple Leafs Coach Wants to Coach Marner.
To replace Sheldon Keefe, Toronto signed Stanley Cup-winning head coach Craig Berube.
On June 29, after the NHL draft, Berube told reporters that he was delighted about the opportunity to coach Marner.
“He’s a character guy, a great person, and obviously a great player,” Berube told reporters. “I’m looking forward to coaching him.”
Marner is one of the most skilled players in the NHL, but many observers predicted that the Maple Leafs would try to trade him once the core group of players failed.
Since Marner joined Toronto as a full-time player in 2016, the Maple Leafs have won only one postseason series in eight years. Marner has skated in 57 playoff games, scoring 11 goals and 39 assists for 50 points.
Along with wanting to coach Marner, Berube stated that he spoke with all Maple Leafs players via Zoom, phone call, or in person.
“It’s essentially just being yourself. Speaking with them about the type of coach I am, what they can expect from me, and what I expect from them. “Getting to know them and their personalities, as well as discussing what happened in the past,” Berube added. “It’s not just hockey; it’s learning about their lives, families, and so on. “Get a feel for everything.”
Berube was handed a four-year contract to be the Maple Leafs’ head coach.
Marner wants to remain in Toronto.
Marner is from Toronto, and the Maple Leafs selected him fourth overall in the 2015 NHL draft.
With Marner nearing the final year of his contract, the gifted winger has made it obvious that he wants to stay in Toronto.
“I mean, that’s a goal. I’ve proclaimed my affection for this location, this city. “Obviously, I grew up here,” Marner told the journalists on May 6. “We’ll start thinking about that now and try to figure something out.”
Marner has appeared in 576 career games, all with Toronto, scoring 194 goals and 445 assists for 639 points.
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