Top NHL insider gives his honest opinion on Maple Leafs keeping "distraction outside" with Mitch Marner's contract extension

On December 20, top NHL insider Darren Dreger discussed the Toronto Maple Leafs' approach to Mitch Marner's contract. Dreger shared that the team and Marner are focusing on winning this season. As a result, there have been no updates on Marner’s contract talks. Fans have mixed feelings about this decision. While prioritizing success is positive, there is no progress on a new deal.

Darren Dreger, speaking on TSN’s Insider Trading, explained there is regular communication between the Leafs' management and Mitch Marner’s agent, Darren Ferris.

The team’s leadership, including Brendan Shanahan, Brad Treliving and coach Craig Berube, has ensured contract talks don’t become a distraction. Marner has been playing exceptionally well and the team’s strong performance reflects their focus. Dreger noted that as 2025 approaches, pressure to finalize Marner’s contract will increase.

(0:24) "There’s regular communication between management of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the agent, in this case, Darren Ferris. But I think you do have to give credit to the brass of the Maple Leafs,

"I’m looking at [Brendan] Shanahan, [Brad] Treliving, and head coach Craig Berube because they’ve managed to keep the distraction outside so that Marner can focus on his game....But as the calendar turns into 2025, time will be of the essence, so there’s going to have to be some definition and direction..."

James Duthie, host of Insider Trading, described the lack of updates on Marner’s extension as “crickets.” Dreger confirmed this quiet approach is intentional. By keeping talks private, Marner and the Leafs focus on their performance. This also reduces pressure on Marner, allowing him to focus on a strong season.

Mitch Marner is the points leader for Maple Leafs this season

This season, Mitch Marner has 10 goals and 32 assists in 32 games. He is the top offensive contributor for the Maple Leafs. He performs well in wins, with 32 points and a +16 rating.

In losses, his production drops to 10 points and a -15 rating. However, after Leafs' 5-3 win over the Dallas Stars, head coach Craig Berube urged Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews and William Nylander's line for better performance.

"I know they got a goal and some chances, but for me, they were off a little bit tonight, like a lot of our guys were. I didn’t think they had their best game. We’ll see." Berube said.

Over his career, he has 204 goals and 477 assists in 608 games. Marner signed a six-year, $65.4 million contract in 2019, with a $10.9 million cap hit. His contract ends after the 2024-25 season.