Mitch Marner makes it very clear that the Leafs want Jack Campbell back, but says they'll be happy for him regardless
Free agency is an exciting time for just about every hockey fan and, I'm sure, most players who are due a new contract. It's an opportunity for them and their families to either strike a deal to remain where they are or seek a new deal and a fresh start elsewhere on their own terms. That said, it's not all joy and excitement, as there's a human element involved as well.
For the Leafs and Jack Campbell, the last two years and change has been full of ups and downs, but the team loves Soup, and so do the fans. Campbell has been vocal about his desire to return, but as we all know, the deal has to be right for both sides - not just for the team - and there's a good chance that Campbell won't be back in Toronto next season. But hope is not lost yet.
On Monday, Breakfast Television's Sid Seixeiro had Leafs winger Mitch Marner on the show for a brief interview, during which, he asked Marner about the Jack Campbell situation and what kind of a teammate he has been. Marner, with absolutely no hesitation, went on to gush about Campbell and made it very clear that the team wants him to re-sign. At the same time, Marner was also clear that the team has Jack's back no matter what and that they're all going to be happy for him regardless of where he chooses to sign.
To hear Marner talk about the type of person that Jack is behind the cameras and that he's basically the same guy that you see in front of the cameras, it really just tugs at your heart strings a bit. I'd love to see Soupy re-sign a deal with the Leafs that is digestible for both sides, and by the sounds of things from Marner's perspective, so does the team. With that said, the business side of the game makes it difficult for ideals and, at a point, reality begins to set in. If Campbell's ask really is in the $5M AAV neighborhood for 5 years, that is likely too rich for the Leafs and we may see a split, which is unfortunate, because Campbell is so easy to root for.
With less than two days left until the start of free agency, there is till time for Dubas and Campbell to get back to the negotiating table to strike a deal, but I'm not holding my breath, as it seems like there's a canyon between Soup's ask and the Leafs' offer.
