Quoting: MG1986
A couple points of order. #1 It would be incredibly counterproductive to resign Marleau after the extremely high cost the Leafs incurred to remove his contract. #2 Gardiner is talking with the Habs, and will likely settle on a 3-4 year there. #3 I can obviously not confirm this, but Leafs are not trading Travis Dermott, especially when he is still recovering from injury. #4 and probably the biggest thing, Marner, as of this past weekend at least, has considered switching agents. He does not like being viewed as a villian by the city and was hoping to get this out of the way before Canada Day. Ferris is known for this whole European team bs move, so I wouldn't take it seriously. As has already been confirmed, Marner is considering paying out of pocket the cost of insurance to attend Leafs camp unsigned. As far as I am aware, he would be the first player to do this since this most recent CBA came into existence. This of course is on the heals of rumblings that the Leafs have internally discussed a hard deadline, by which, if Marner is unsigned, will sit out for the entire 2019-20 season.
Huh. I decided to take a break from CF with alot of the postings lately just being recycled tidbits on the Marner/other rfa drama. But if what you're laying out is true re: Marner that would be an interesting development and a savvy play by Marner, imo.
He's certainly taken a beaten with the fanbase given how Ferris has approached things, and if he decided to dump him now it would send a pretty strong message on how he doesn't appreciate his brand being tarnished for the financial benefit of said agent. Besides, given how public Ferris has made these negotiations it wouldn't take a new agent long to nail down the final details.
Final outcome if this all shakes out as you've laid it out? Marner gets a solid deal, restores his brand, the love affair between Marner/leaf fans continues, Ferris gets his just deserts, Dreger looks like the fool he is for pandering to Paul Ferris for his own benefit, Paul learns that Mitch isn't playing pee wee hockey anymore, and balance is restored to the realm.
Also, it would make me happy to see all this put to bed so that we can rightfully get back bashing Babcock. Same as it ever was...