The Maple Leafs and Marner’s camp talking but little progress
James (@Account4hockey): Chris Johnston on Sportsnet 590 said that there isn’t really an update on the Mitch Marner – Toronto Maple Leafs situation.
The sides are talking but there hasn’t really been any progress lately. expects a strong push in the next week before camp starts.
Sportsnet 590: Johnston on the Maple Leafs and Marner: “I would expect you’re going to see a concerted effort to get him signed and in camp by September 12th, and if that doesn’t happen all bets are off. ”
James (@Account4hockey): Darren Dreger was on TSN 1050 and said that there has been some speculation that there is a three-year bridge deal on the table with an AAV around $9.5 million.
Dreger thinks there is a slight chance that the sides could reach a deal before the start of training camp.
Maple Leafs Hot Stove: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas spoke with TSNs Bob McKenzie.
Dubas on Marner negotiations.
“We continue to have a dialogue with Darren as recently as last week. I think I would feel a little bit more anxious or perhaps look back and wonder whether we should’ve done anything differently, but I think everybody in the league with these types of RFAs is in the exact same spot. Even the guys that are mentioned all the time, if you peel it back a level below with the guys that aren’t mentioned all the time, they aren’t signed, either. There hasn’t really been a lot of movement in that market since July 1st when Meier signed and Aho came off the board.”
Dubas is hopeful they can get Marner signed by the start of training camp – next Friday – and are open to the idea of a short- or long-term deal.
On if offer sheets could still happen.
“I don’t know how likely it is. It’s not impossible. There may be one or two, but I certainly think they were more likely at the start of the season when cap space was greater for each team and the off-season cap was also there for some flexibility.”
The Maple Leafs have received a few trade inquiries for Marner, but the phone hasn’t been ringing off the hook.
“There haven’t been that many discussions. I don’t even want to think about crossing that bridge.”