Mitch Marner’s Maple Leafs contract extension receives blunt GM update

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has addressed Mitch Marner’s contract situation for the second time since the team opted not to move him at the trade deadline.

Speaking with TSN’s Gino Reda on Tuesday, Treliving indicated that any updates regarding Marner’s future will be shared when available.

“We are going to focus on the ice,” Treliving stated. “If and when there’s anything business-related to announce, we’ll be sure to share it.”

Marner is in the final year of his six-year, $65.41 million contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 unless he agrees to an extension between the end of the playoffs and the start of free agency.

Following the trade deadline, reports surfaced suggesting that Toronto had asked Marner to waive his no-trade clause for a potential deal with the Carolina Hurricanes involving Mikko Rantanen. However, Marner declined and opted to finish his contract with the Leafs. “As we all know, Mitch has had a terrific year and he’s a vital part of our team,” Treliving said. “He’s a big part of what we’re trying to accomplish in the next 14 games and beyond. That’s where our focus is.”

Marner leads the Leafs with 82 points (21 goals, 61 assists) in 66 games and is on pace to reach 100 points for the first time, having narrowly missed that milestone last season by just one point.

With Toronto in the thick of the playoff race, Treliving stressed that the primary objective is to ensure the team is playing its best hockey when it matters most. “It doesn’t matter where you finish; you’re going to face a strong team in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs,” he said. “The key is getting your game in order and being at your best when it counts.”

The Maple Leafs are currently tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning at 83 points in the standings, trailing the Florida Panthers (85 points) in the Atlantic Division. However, both Toronto and Tampa Bay have a game in hand on the division leaders.