‘Maple Leafs Are Going To Need Direction’: Mitch Marner’s Camp Continues To Navigate Contract Uncertainty With Slow Approach

Things have been fairly quiet on the Mitch Marner contract front from the beginning of the season when the forward dismissed the idea of discussing his expiring deal at the Toronto Maple Leafs’ training camp and media availability.

Despite this, his future with the club remains a central storyline this season as the star winger plays out the final year of his six-year, $65.4 million contract. Set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, there has been little discourse about an extension as it’s been reported both parties are taking a slow approach in negotiations.

Related: 'I'm Going To Let My Agent And Brad Do All The Talking': Mitch Marner Not Closing the Door to Mid-Season Contract Agreement with Maple Leafs

On Thursday, NHL insider Darren Dreger provided insight into the ongoing negotiations during an appearance on Early Trading with Gino Reda. When asked about Brendan Shanahan's comments from the owners’ meetings in Florida last week, where the Leafs president indicated the team was taking its time on the Marner front, Dreger outlined the balancing act taking place behind the scenes.

“I mean, that’s the threat right?” Dreger said, acknowledging the risk of Marner potentially leaving in free agency.

“I think that Shanahan and company deserve some credit for how they've managed this process. So you know you've got Shanahan, of course, you've got the general manager, Brad Treliving, and by extension, head coach Craig Berube, who's done a real nice job of keeping the circus-like atmosphere away from Mitch Marner,” he added.

On the other side of this is the player, Marner, who has also kept any negotiations under wraps and held true to his promise of “being better this year and helping his team win.”

And he’s done just that. Marner currently leads the Maple Leafs in assists (32) and points (42) through 32 games played. The former number four overall pick is on pace for his first 100-point season, 108 to be exact.

Marner has also assisted on 33.7% of the Leafs’ goals this season, which would be the highest in a season in franchise history surpassing Doug Gilmour in 1992-92, according to Sportsnet Stats.

Dreger emphasized that the Maple Leafs and Marner’s camp, led by agent Darren Ferris, are maintaining open lines of communication. However, the situation lacks urgency for now.

“As we flip the calendar, Gino, into 2025, even though I know there's regular communication between the agent Darren Ferris and Brad Treliving, I would think that the Maple Leafs are going to need some direction, maybe definition on exactly what the Marner camp is looking for,” said Dreger.

“But they're not there yet. It's just playing nice with one another in allowing Marner to remain focused on being the best that he can be, which ultimately turns into the Maple Leafs being a better team,” he added.

Other Factors at Play?

At the end of November, Nick Kypreos shed light on how non-hockey factors may influence Marner's decision-making, as stated on Real Kyper and Bourne.

“You don’t know what you’re dealing with these guys going into their last years, what’s important, where is the pecking order of money, and family, right? Mitch is starting a family. Do I want my kids to be in an environment eventually if I stay for another eight years to grow up to kids in junior kindergarten or senior kindergarten going, your Dad screwed us with that contract. I don’t know, we’ll have to wait and see,” said Kypreos.

Related: ‘Other Factors Come Into Play’: Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner Reportedly Taking Patient Approach To Contract Discussions While Weighing Contributing Elements

This patient approach, matched with Marner’s ascending value, means the Leafs are navigating risky territory. While Marner's performance continues to make a compelling case for a massive payday, his priorities – on and off the ice – will likely shape the outcome of these negotiations.

While there’s no imminent resolution, Dreger’s reassurance of “regular communication” offers some optimism. Time will tell if this ‘slow approach’ pays off for both parties.