What Will Toronto Maple Leafs Do with Mitch Marner? All Eyes Are on What Steps Will be Taken.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were ousted from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by their Boston Bruins rival, thanks to David Pastrnak’s game-winning overtime goal in Game 7. There had been talk before Game 5 that changes would need to be made; now with their series over and out of reach, that talk has intensified, particularly regarding Mitch Marner.
William Nylander and Auston Matthews’ absence due to injury hasn’t lessened the sting; now all eyes will be focused on Toronto Maple Leafs effort in Games 3-4; especially after seeing how coach Sheldon Keefe got them under control for Games 5-7. It seems likely they paid greater attention during those games!
NHL Rumors: Changes Are On Their Way In Toronto and Five Trade Destinations for Mitch Marner
However, when this core group has been together since 2016 and has only won one playoff series during that timeframe, questions must arise as to its continuation – this debate began during their loss to Columbus in the play-in round last season.
The pieces around their core have changed, yet results remain consistent. Depth players are essential to winning a Stanley Cup; however, star players such as Mitch Marner must step forward and deliver to ensure victory of each series they play in. Unfortunately for Toronto Maple Leafs fans he did not deliver in this series against Washington Capitals.
Marner had just three points and 12 shots on goal throughout the series – which simply is not acceptable from someone eligible to sign an extension beginning July 1st with a salary cap hit of over $10.903 million and only three points to show for it!
Jim Montgomery called out David Pastrnak – who earned $11 Million with Boston — and delivered. Even though Pastrnak only managed five points (three goals and two assists) over seven games, when goals became challenging, Pastrnak delivered.
NHL Rumors: Should the Toronto Maple Leafs Lose… This was Marner’s lowest point total during this series’ playoff run; now with 50 points in 57 playoff games he seems nervous when facing big moments; though he was solid defensively but being present when game winner scored series winner was difficult for him as was watching puck.
Marner has come in for harsh criticism in the past and rightfully so. Star players must perform during playoff games – something William Nylander excels at without fearing pressure to perform; Marner should take note and do something similar himself as that’s where their starting point needs to lie.
Brad Treliving must make some tough choices as general manager of Toronto Maple Leafs, including Sheldon Keefe’s likely departure. Treliving must then address Mitchell Marner to figure out his preferred arena or destination; playing for Toronto during playoff time can put too much strain on Marner himself.
As Pierre LeBrun of TSN pointed out, Marner has control of where he plays thanks to a no-movement clause and it will not be easy for trades to occur without his agreement.

Change is likely coming for the Leafs, yet an important reminder is to bear in mind in coming weeks that making changes requires many considerations, especially with core players with no-move clauses that give players significant leverage in trade negotiations and often mean full value trades are rarely obtained as a result of such restrictions.
Pierre LeBrun of PierreVLeBrun.net will present their 2019 Annual Review this Friday (May 5, 2024)!

However, we saw how easily Tampa Bay Lightning were able to deal with Ryan McDonagh who had a no-movement clause by finding ways of trading him away, so nothing is impossible. Treliving must ask himself where his interests lie before making decisions on Tavares or whether to let that process play itself out over time.
Are We Certain Major Changes Are Coming with the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Toronto should not fear allowing Marner to reach free agency; without trade partners available they’d do well not to continue this charade and sign him to another long-term deal at a higher AAV AAV than before.