Toronto Maple Leafs' free agency priority rides on Mitch Marner's future, according to NHL insider Nick Kypreos

As the NHL summer gets near, the Toronto Maple Leafs are adopting a guarded stance on their roster choices. Based on NHL insider Nick Kypreos, the franchise's first concern is Mitch Marner's future ahead of signing contract extensions on other players, such as John Tavares and Steven Lorentz. Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is also known to be a Marner enthusiast.


The Maple Leafs are said to be waiting on contract negotiations with their upcoming unrestricted free agents until they decide if Marner will remain or if they will have to spend cap room to replace him. “It sounds like pending unrestricted free agents John Tavares and Steven Lorentz will have to wait until the offseason for any contract offers from the Leafs if they are to stay. The Leafs’ top priority remains leaving enough cap space to either re-sign Mitch Marner or bring in one or two players as suitable replacements.” Kypreos said in the Toronto Star.

Marner, 27, is set to reach the expiration of his six-year, $65.4 million contract soon, and he continues to perform well on the ice. He has 89 points in 71 games and is still an integral offensive player for the Maple Leafs. Yet if he reaches free agency on July 1, he likely will demand a hefty salary bump, maybe into the $13-14 million per-year area.
Despite previous trade speculation, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has remained a strong supporter of Marner. The marquee winger wouldn't waive his no-trade clause at the trade deadline, making him the boss of the situation. The Leafs now have to determine if they can keep him or if they will have to look elsewhere.

Vet Center John Tavares is also in his seventh and last year of a $77 million, seven-year contract. He has been contributing with 33 goals and 67 points through 65 contests. The Maple Leafs are not hurrying, though, to sign him longer term, holding off to examine how the Marner situation will develop before they commit long-term.
Although Tavares is still an asset, Kypreos said his Toronto future will hinge on whether or not the club can generate the cap space necessary.
In the meantime, forward Steven Lorentz is going through a one-year, $775,000 deal and has tallied six goals and 16 points in 69 contests. Similar to Tavares, he sits in limbo as the Leafs determine their roster requirements.

The Maple Leafs' offseason plan will heavily depend on Marner's choice. If he re-signs, Toronto will have to manage its remaining cap space very carefully to complete the roster. If he departs, the team will have the cap space to go after other high-impact free agents.
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With free agency only months off, everyone's eyes will be on the Maple Leafs as they make their way through one of the most important off-seasons in recent history.