NHL Analyst Voices Opinion on Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner Free Agency

As Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner approaches unrestricted free agency, ESPNs John Buccigross is making his position clear.According to the long-time analyst, the Maple Leafs cant afford to let Marner go this summer.Speaking during the "Spittin' Chiclets" live stream of the Avalanche-Stars Game 7, Buccigross acknowledged the financial hurdles Toronto faces, but insisted re-signing Marner should be the priorityeven if it requires a major shake-up.Marner is a fascinating thing.

I dont see how you let him go, Buccigross said.

Whether you have to trade (William) Nylander, I just dont see how you let that guy go.Colorado vs Dallas Game 7 Live Stream https://t.co/XZzs82VEyK Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) May 4, 2025Marner, who turns 28 on Monday with the Maple Leafs kicking off their second-round series against the Florida Panthers, is coming off a career-best 102-point season.

He's under contract through June, when his six-year, $65.41 million deal is set to expire.Nylander, meanwhile, just completed the first season of an eight-year, $92 million contract extension signed in Jan.

2024.

He also holds a full no-movement clause, making a trade difficult.Buccigross, however, made his preference clear.(Marner) is not a goalscorer, and you are right, $14 million for a really good PK guy and a lot of assists, Buccigross said.

Man, hes smart, man hes so God damn smart.Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) reacts after scoring against the Ottawa Senators during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.John E Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesDespite trade speculation earlier this year, Leafs GM Brad Treliving said in March that the team is aligned with Marner and wants to keep him long term.We want Mitch here for a long time, Treliving said.Marner, for his part, has repeatedly deflected contract talk.Ive loved my time being a Leaf, Marner said in March.

Im not gonna get into any of this contract stuff.Related: Maple Leafs Coach Sends 'Comfortable' Message Before Panthers SeriesRelated: Paul Bissonnette Sends Stern Warning to Panthers Before Maple Leafs Series.

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