As we near the NHL Entry Draft and free agency, the Leafs continue to weigh their options with regards to Marner. Leaf fans are also wondering if he will be traded, signed to an extension or just play out the final year of his deal as he has stated he intends to. We may have some clarity sooner than expected as former NHLer and Spittin' Chiclets co-host Paul Bissonnette revealed on Tuesday's podcast that Marner and the Leafs have been discussing an extension.
The rumour caught fire immediately and has Leafs fans absolutely losing their minds. However, the extension negotiations could also be part of a sign-and-trade, similar to what Leafs GM Brad Treliving when he traded Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers when he was GM of the Calgary Flames.
Given that the Leafs will need some clarity about the future of Marner so they know how to allocate dollars in free agency and to their other pending free agents, we should and could see a decision made about his future within two weeks time.
