John Tavares and Mitch Marner break their silence regarding future with Leafs
It's the first day of training camps, and John Tavares and Mitch Marner of the Leafs spoke to reporters where they discussed their long-term goals with the team.
With training camp getting underway, the Toronto Maple Leafs' two biggest upcoming free agents, Mitch Marner and John Tavares, had no desire to make their contract talks the story of the day. Media availability for players got underway Wednesday and both Marner and Tavares were sure to be asked about their ongoing negotiations. Off the hop, Marner indicated he'd rather talk about what was taking place on the ice.
It has already been a major talking point this summer and it should be continuing throughout the season as he approaches the final year of his contract at age 27. That next deal is going to be a tough one for the Leafs after the recent big-money extensions to Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Morgan Rielly.
His role has also been questioned, especially after his Leafs were bounced in seven games in the opening round of the playoffs by the Boston Bruins. Marner obtained 26 goals and 85 points in 69 games last season, but the Bruins held him to one goal and two assists in the series.
And plenty have come to the defence of Marner, including Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon who skated with him in a recent camp in Vail, Colorado, along with a host of other NHLers.
Auston Matthews, the Leafs' newly-named captain, gives Marner full marks for the way he's handled all the contract chatter, something he himself has lived through.
In terms of John Tavares, he's made it pretty clear that he isn't concerned about his contract either but did say that staying in Toronto is his top priority.
After wearing the captaincy for five seasons, John Tavares passed the torch to Auston Matthews this offseason. Now 33 and in the final year of the seven-year contract he signed in 2018, Tavares' offensive numbers dipped a bit last season, with 29 goals and 65 points in 80 games.
Leafs fans will be sure to keep an eye on these two players this season to see how things regarding their future unfold.
Source: NHL.com
John Tavares Stats
Source: HockeyDB
Mitch Marner Stats
| POLL | ||
Will Mitch Marner and John Tavares sign extensions with the Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 33.3 % |
| No | 47 | 32.6 % |
| Only Marner | 32 | 22.2 % |
| Only Tavares | 17 | 11.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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