Former NHL defenseman Mike Commodore has offered some advice to Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner.
Marner has been at the center of trade rumors throughout the summer as he approaches the final year of his six-year $65.41 million contract with Toronto, signed in 2019. While many insiders anticipated a trade, Marner appears set to start the season with the Leafs. Commodore believes the talented forward should play out the year and then leave in free agency. Drawing a parallel to LeBron James’ departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat in pursuit of a championship, Commodore suggests Marner could leave his hometown Maple Leafs for another team.
“From the outside looking in, if I were Mitch Marner, I’d consider my options. The Leafs need to decide whether to give him a substantial raise or trade him for cap space and additional pieces,” Commodore said to Bodog.
“I don’t know Mitch personally, but if I were in his shoes, I’d think about leaving Toronto. I’ve had a good run, but we haven’t won. It might be time to take my talents elsewhere, like LeBron did,” Commodore added.
Marner has a full no-movement clause, preventing any trade without his consent, allowing him to potentially leave in free agency like James did in 2010.
Last season, Marner recorded 26 goals and 59 assists for 85 points in 69 games.
Marner Wants to Stay With the Maple Leafs
Despite Commodore’s advice, Marner has expressed a desire to remain in Toronto. After the Maple Leafs were eliminated from the playoffs by the Boston Bruins, Marner told the media he wanted to stay with his hometown team.
“I’ve expressed my love for this place and this city. I’ve grown up here, and it means the world to me,” Marner said on May 6.
“We’re treated like Gods here, and the love from the fans is unmatched. You saw it with the Raptors a few years ago. That’s the kind of love you want,” Marner added.
It remains to be seen whether Toronto will re-sign Marner.
Toronto’s New Head Coach Eager to Work With Marner
Amid the trade rumors, Craig Berube, the new head coach of the Maple Leafs, expressed his excitement about coaching Marner.
“He’s a character guy, a great person,” Berube said on June 29 after the draft. “I’m looking forward to coaching him.”
Berube, who previously coached the Philadelphia Flyers and St. Louis Blues, signed a four-year deal with Toronto. He won a Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019.