Elliotte Friedman Delivers Startling Update on Mitch Marner's Free Agency Plans

Mitch Marner is currently in contract negotiations with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and there is no doubt that fans are anxious about how this is all going to shake out.

Mikko Rantanen, a similar player to Marner, was traded by the Colorado Avalanche over fears that he would cost too much money in free agency. Now, there is a fear that the Maple Leafs superstar could be met with the same fate.

The early reports out of Toronto are that the superstar wants to remain in the city. However, he also wants a deal worth upwards of $14 million AAV which the Leafs are reportedly not enthused about.

If the two remain far apart, then Marner could choose to test the market on July 1st. According to Elliotte Friedman, there is still zero inclination of what the forward wants to do.

If you are a Maple Leafs fan, you can't help but feel at least a little bit anxious hearing stuff like this.

Overall, Marner is very important to this team, especially with him having a career year at 71 points in just 54 games.

He is playing some spirited hockey, although it seems clear that the Maple Leafs want to take a wait and see approach.

After all, Marner has faltered quite a bit in the playoffs, and the Leafs do not want to get too hasty if they don't have to.

Hopefully, this all gets resolved and the Leafs get to keep Marner long-term. If not, they better hope they make a trade as opposed to losing him for nothing.