Why Mitch Marner Needs To Get Out While He Can

Mitch Marner is probably the most talked about player outside the playoffs at the moment, and after the news broke that he refused a contract which would have made him the highest paid Maple Leaf in history, his time in Toronto looks done. Being one of the most in demand free agents, and all those with masses of cap space available for next season looking to pounce quickly on the elite winger, Marner should cash in his cheques at Toronto, and look for a new chapter in his career.

Mitch has been part of the core four alongside Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares for the best part of the last five years, and has laced up for the Leafs ever since the 2016/17 season, but after nine years of post season heartbreak, and no signs of breaking the curse in Toronto, Marner’s time to test free agency couldn't have come at a better time in his career. 

Having spent almost a decade in Toronto, the former fourth overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft will look to open a new page in his career, and will look to take his talents elsewhere in search of the Stanley Cup. Marner has played in the postseason ever since the year he began playing in the NHL, and with this year’s second round disappointment being the furthest he has ever gone in the playoffs, his talents may be utilised better in another jersey. But being the player he is, and the price tag he will come with, where is best for Mitch, and where will he take his talents next season?

Although nothing has been fully confirmed about Marner’s departure, having turned down the biggest deal in Leafs history earlier in the year, and suffering another bad playoff elimination in the same year, Marner will have his eyes on free agency, and teams will definitely have their eyes on him. With those at the bottom of the standings like the Blackhawks, the Ducks, and the Sharks amongst those with the most cap space for next season, and Marner stating he doesn't want to play for another Canadian team next year, he could end up in the midst of a rebuild, and work his way up from the very bottom. But on the other hand, teams such as Carolina, and the Jets who art only one piece away from being true contenders, Marner could favour a much more solidified team, and aim to stay amongst the playoffs for next season.

Along with the stigma that Marner doesn't show up in the playoffs, and can often lack the winning mentality, a fresh start in a new city, and a new organisation is exactly what he may need, and  a place like Winnipeg or Carolina may be the best place for him to slot into a new playoff ready role. As Marner is highly regarded as one of the best playmakers in the NHL on his day, leaving Toronto is definitely the best thing for him, and to leave during a time of transition like now in Toronto, the money bags, and the desire to make a move may be exactly what Marner needs. With his demand higher than ever, there is no better time to pick his perfect destination than now.