11 hours ago
Mitch Marner reportedly cancelling annual charity event an ominous sign for free agent
In another signal that the Mitch Marner era is over in Toronto, there were social media posts Monday that his annual All-Star Invitational event for his charitable foundation has been cancelled.
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It was scheduled for July 10-11 at the Toronto Events Centre and usually has a number of NHL and special guests to meet and see compete.
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But there is not a mention of it now on Marner's Assist Foundation website amid speculation he'll be leaving July 1 as a free agent.
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An unsourced statement said in part 'after thoughtful consideration we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year's event. The uncertainty around Mitch's summer schedule makes it challenging to plan responsibly.
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'Out of respect for the time and commitment of our partners and supporters, we feel it's best to make this decision now.'
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Attempts to contact foundation representatives were not immediately returned, while a call by Postmedia to the Toronto Events Centre asking if the event was indeed shelved was referred back to Marner.
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The clock has been ticking on Marner's decade as a Leaf since he was again not able to augment his regular-season production in key playoff games, particularly with goals.
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Then came general manager Brad Treliving's post-season statement that a change in 'DNA' was needed on the roster, with the Leafs unable to get past the second round since Marner and the 'Core Four' Leafs came together in 2018.
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While the Leafs are expected to at least discuss an offer of some kind, they're wary of over-paying him after putting down $11 million a season the past few years.
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