NHL insider Chris Johnston expects Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner to be back with the team for the 2024-25 NHL season.
Mitch Marner has been at the center of trade speculation since Toronto’s playoff elimination, largely due to his entering the final year of a seven-year, $65.4 million contract signed in 2019. Despite numerous trade discussions, no deal has materialized, leading Chris Johnston to believe Marner will likely stay with Toronto.
Speaking on The Chris Johnston Show, Johnston stated, “I’d just say, Mitch Marner is more likely than not to return to the team. We’ll see how things develop now that time goes along. I think they are comfortable with Mitch Marner returning if that is how things turn out, if there isn’t enough interest, or if a trade that kind of even makes sense.”
Marner had a productive season with 26 goals and 59 assists in 69 regular season games last year. Toronto’s recent hiring of Craig Berube, a Stanley Cup-winning coach, has added optimism about Marner’s future with the team. Berube expressed excitement about coaching Marner, highlighting his character and skill.
Despite Toronto’s playoff struggles in recent years, Marner, who was drafted fourth overall by the Maple Leafs in 2015 and has played all 576 of his NHL games with the team, has expressed a desire to remain in his hometown. As Marner enters the final year of his contract, he has affirmed his commitment to Toronto, emphasizing his deep connection to the city where he grew up.
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