Jon Cooper's Recent Comments Could Imply Lightning's Desire to Take a Run at Signing Leafs' Mitch Marner
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Jon Cooper's recent comments about Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner have some believing that the Lightning will take a run at signing him if he reaches free agency.
Mitch Marner found himself back in the spotlight this week amid reported contract talks taking an interesting turn after the Leafs implemented an internal salary cap, which could potentially limit him during negotiations.
The reports of his contract and the Leafs' internal cap came on the heels of Marner's performance over a string of games without Auston Matthews, who finally returns to the lineup on Saturday night.
Marner had 7 multi-point efforts in the first 8 games without Matthews and now has 9 goals and 29 points in 22 games this season.
Ahead of another meeting with the Lightning Saturday, Tampa Bay and Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper was asked about the 4 Nations roster and some of the roster decisions he had to make. The roster is set to be revealed next week and Marner is a candidate to make the roster.
Cooper was asked about Marner and how he has developed since 2017, when Cooper last coached him internationally.
"Probably confidence and swag. He's always had it, but you see it in how he plays. You know I'm a massive Mitch Marner fan, being able to coach him in 2017. And he's always had it in him, but I think he's let it out a little bit more - and in a good way. You know, he's not showing off. He does everything with a purpose. And, man, it's amazing how he thinks the game. It's elite."
Cooper's comments have some wondering if the Lightning may take a run at the former first-round pick should he become a free agent on July 1st.
Tampa would have to move out a significant amount of salary to accommodate Marner, but as they've shown in the past, they aren't afraid to do so.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 30 | 2627 ANSWERS Jon Cooper's Recent Comments Could Imply Lightning's Desire to Take a Run at Signing Leafs' Mitch Marner Will Marner re-sign with the Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 1946 | 74.1 % |
| No | 343 | 13.1 % |
| Only if he takes a discount | 338 | 12.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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