"Cannot be a distraction going into the playoffs" - NHL insider speaks out on Mitch Marner's future with Maple Leafs

Mitch Marner is up for an extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In the games that Auston Matthews has missed, all but one of which have been victories, Marner has stepped up and carried the load offensively. TSN analyst Darren Dreger believes that he's warranted an extension, but it has to be done on priority before the postseason.

Dreger said (1:21):

"Look, there's no questioning the ability of Mitch Marner or the contribution of Marner to the Toronto Maple Leafs as a whole. I think it's a priority for both the player and for the organization. This cannot be a distraction going into the playoffs, and it will be if they don't get the extension done."

The Maple Leafs appear poised, despite the mysterious absence of their captain, to head to the playoffs again this year. They're 13-6-2 and lead the Atlantic Division right now. If they get there and Marner's looming free agency hasn't been solved, it could impact the team's success according to the NHL analyst.

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NHL analyst pumps brakes on Mitch Marner extension

While Darren Dreger believes the Toronto Maple Leafs should extend Mitch Marner now, his co-host isn't of the same mind. He isn't thinking about the impact on playoff success, but rather about the lack of playoff success for Marner.

Mitch Marner is up for an extension soon (Imagn)

Jeff O'Neill said (0:40)

"As good as Marner is as a player and as good as he's played of late, I don't know why you would want to lock up guys long-term when you haven't seen playoff success. There's been a phrase tossed around this organization, if you have time on your side, use it. So why not use it in this particular situation?"

Whether or not the Maple Leafs will extend Marner, be it before or after the playoffs, the TSN crew is seemingly split on if they should. Marner has stepped up for them in Auston Matthews' absence, but in Toronto, all that matters is how players do in the postseason. So far, Marner and the team haven't had that team success after the regular season.