Darren Dreger Explains How Mitch Marner Played the Toronto Maple Leafs Like a Fiddle
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner had a plan from the beginning when it comes to free agency, and now, Darren Dreger is breaking it down for the fans.
Mitch Marner came into this season knowing that his contract situation was going to be talked about by everyone in the NHL.
Toronto Maple Leafs fans were going to be upset, regardless of the outcome, and we are watching that play out in real time as the winger continues to evade the franchise.
July 1st is right around the corner, and we still have not heard from Marner. Instead, he is waiting until the official start of free agency to talk to teams and take meetings.
Darren Dreger on Mitch Marner
While many are upset with the way Marner is going about this, Darren Dreger argues this is what everyone should have expected all along.
During an appearance on TSN 1050, Dreger noted how Marner had stated from the beginning that he wanted to take a wait-and-see approach to this season.
Furthermore, the Leafs had always to honor Marner's wishes, which means they can't be upset now that Marner is exercising his rights.
This past season unfolded almost exactly how Marner and his camp planned it from day one. The idea was to keep contract talks on hold, focus on the team, and let the year play out-a strategy both sides agreed on. Marner had a strong regular season, and while the playoffs didn't go as hoped, the criticism he gets in Toronto isn't entirely fair. «He's often been the scapegoat, even though the list of underperformers in the postseason is much longer than just #16.»
Now, Marner is doing what he's earned the right to do-explore free agency. He'll listen to offers, visit teams he's interested in, and weigh every option. He hasn't closed the door on the Leafs, and there's no indication he's told Brad Treliving he won't return. But at the same time, the feeling is there hasn't been a whole lot of love between the two sides. Maybe Treliving's frustrated-it's possible he would've liked to get something done earlier. Still, Marner's just following the plan they set out from the start.
Now, Marner is doing what he's earned the right to do-explore free agency. He'll listen to offers, visit teams he's interested in, and weigh every option. He hasn't closed the door on the Leafs, and there's no indication he's told Brad Treliving he won't return. But at the same time, the feeling is there hasn't been a whole lot of love between the two sides. Maybe Treliving's frustrated-it's possible he would've liked to get something done earlier. Still, Marner's just following the plan they set out from the start.
These are good points, but the source of them is certainly significant, as Dreger has been accused of getting his talking points from agent Darren Ferris and Marner's father, Paul.
Whatever the case may be, the Marner sweepstakes are in full effect, and Leafs fans will be watching.
Whether or not the forward returns to the Leafs still remains to be seen, but it is not looking good.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 17 | 398 ANSWERS Darren Dreger Explains How Mitch Marner Played the Toronto Maple Leafs Like a Fiddle Do you believe Mitch Marner did the right thing in free agency? | ||
| YES | 181 | 45.5 % |
| NO | 217 | 54.5 % |
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