Darren Dreger revealed that the Leafs and Mitch Marner have not engaged in extension talks yet as the Leafs are still weighing their options.
Thursday, Spittin' Chiclets co-host Paul Bissonnette dropped a noteworthy nugget saying that Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs are holding extension talks. His comments sent social media and Leaf fans into a craze, but on ‘First Up' yesterday morning Darren Dreger refuted Bissonnette's claims.
"The actual mechanics of extension talk are a bit premature," said Dreger. "Do I believe that they are going to engage in contract discussions post July 1? Of course I do it is something that has been discussed internally but I don't think they've gotten to a point beyond maybe preliminary conversations with Darren Ferris."
Dreger also noted that the Leafs have yet to make a decision on the future of Marner but will at least look at the numbers and see what Marner is looking for on a long-term extension.
The Leafs and GM Brad Treliving do not have to make a decision yet. Marner has another season on his current deal at $10.9M. But they do have to have the framework of a plan given the number of costly free agents they are trying to re-sign and will attempt to sign in the coming weeks.
With the draft and free agency just a week away, we could get more clarity on what may occur sooner than later. It may not be a decision directly based on Marner, but other roster moves could indicate what the Leafs' plan is for the perennial 90+ point scorer.
