The NHL knows it’s open season on Marner offers. How often is a 95-point, penalty-killing winger available? The Leafs won’t put the cart before the horse here. They will listen.
If one of the offers meets their needs, then — and only then — will they involve Marner in the process and try to convince him why it’s in his best interest to look elsewhere. If no deal for Marner can be completed — or he doesn’t allow one — it makes next season a greater challenge than expected. The Leafs need help in goal and on defence and, with next-to-no money to spend, what’s Treliving to do? One year from now, Marner’s contract and that of captain John Tavares will expire, opening up $22 million in payroll, with an increasing salary cap and only $40 million committed.
That’s when Leafs management — and not players — will be in control of the payroll and, by extension, the team. But not until then. If there was a Hall of Fame for news conferences, Paul Maurice would be a shoo-in.
But it’s tough for an NHL coach to get Hall recognition. Joel Quenneville, Mike Keenan, Barry Trotz, Mike Babcock, Darryl Sutter, Tom Watt and Bryan Murray all have Hall credentials, but no entrance to date. It’s a little easier for a GM to get in.
Among those currently working, but already in the Hall: Lou Lamoriello, Ken Holland and Jim Rutherford. And I wouldn’t be surprised if the retired David Poile gets elected this year ..
. The Hall of Fame will announce its Class of 2024 later th.
