NHL insider Chris Johnston believes forward Mitch Marner will remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the 2024-25 NHL season. Despite ongoing trade rumors following Toronto’s playoff elimination, Marner is expected to stay and fulfill the final year of his seven-year, $65.4 million contract signed in 2019.

Johnston’s Perspective:

“I’d just say, Mitch Marner is more likely than not to return to the team. We’ll see how things develop now that time goes along. I think they are comfortable with Mitch Marner returning if that is how things turn out, if there isn’t enough interest, or if a trade that kind of even makes sense,” Johnston stated on The Chris Johnston Show.

Johnston emphasized that Toronto is at ease with Marner playing out his contract despite the trade rumors. Last season, Marner recorded 26 goals and 59 assists for 85 points in 69 regular season games.

New Coach Craig Berube’s Enthusiasm:

Toronto has appointed Stanley Cup-winning coach Craig Berube to replace Sheldon Keefe. After the NHL draft, Berube expressed his excitement about coaching Marner, calling him “a character guy, a great person and obviously a great player.”

Berube has communicated with all Maple Leafs players, discussing his coaching style and expectations, and getting to know them personally. Berube’s approach focuses not only on hockey but also on understanding players’ lives and families.

Marner’s Desire to Stay:

Marner, a Toronto native drafted fourth overall in the 2015 NHL draft by the Maple Leafs, has expressed his desire to remain with the team. “I’ve expressed my love for this place, this city. Obviously, I’ve grown up here,” Marner said on May 6.

Since becoming a full-time player with Toronto in 2016, Marner has played 576 games, all with the Maple Leafs, amassing 194 goals and 445 assists for 639 points. Despite playoff challenges, Marner remains committed to his hometown team and is looking forward to continuing his career with Toronto.