Former Toronto Maple Leafs player and NHL insider Paul Bissonnette was his usual colorful self about the contract saga surrounding Toronto star winger Mitch Marner. Marner, whose contract is expiring at the end of the season, had allegedly refused to negotiate a new deal during the past year and refused to waive his no-trade clause in March. With signs pointing to the Canadian forward set to try unrestricted free agency this summer, Bissonnette delivered a blunt ultimatum on how the Maple Leafs should handle the situation.
Paul Bissonnette Calls For Maple Leafs to Deliver Ultimatum to Mitch Marner
The 28-year-old Marner had a roller-coaster 2024-25 season, posting a career-high 102 points in 81 regular-season games, including 27 goals and 75 assists. However, in the playoffs, he only scored two goals in 13 games, with the Leafs losing in seven games to the Florida Panthers in the second round. Marner’s six-year, $65.41-million contract will run out come July, sending him to the UFA market.
Bissonnette posted a long and expletive-laden message on X, sharing his opinion of what action the Maple Leafs should take with regard to Marner’s contract negotiations.
“Offer Marner Nylander’s contract and if he wants more say 12m or f*** off. Toronto overpaid him on the 1st deal. Still think they’d be slightly overpaying for what he’s accomplished at 12m. But offer it to him and if he doesn’t want it tell him to f*** off and thanks for the great regular seasons,” Bissonnette wrote. “Or have your last memories as a leaf be fans booing you on home ice. He should get to choose how it ends.”
You guys think I’m fucking around. Offer Marner Nylander’s contract and if he wants more say 12m or fuck off. Toronto overpaid him on the 1st deal. Still think they’d be slightly overpaying for what he’s accomplished at 12m. But offer it to him and if he doesn’t want it tell him…
— Paul Bissonnette (@BizNasty2point0) May 29, 2025
The “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast host added that the Leafs should stand firm and not cave in to demands from players for top dollar without proven playoff success.
“Can’t keep caving in to these guys who want top dollar after accomplishing f*** all,” he wrote.
Paul Bissonnette Echoes Maple Leafs GM’s Comments
On Thursday, May 29, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving refused to provide a definitive answer about Marner’s future during his end-of-season press conference. He acknowledged that the front office were in ongoing discussions with Marner’s agent and stressed that the player has a say in the process, but he would not guarantee making a formal offer.
“Mitch and I had a discussion (during exit meetings). My discussion was let’s take a step back, breathe a little… We’re going to meet as a staff, I’m going to be in touch with Mitch’s representative. We’ll have to see how this all works…. And he’s got a say in the process,” Treliving said.
The Toronto GM stated that the organization has begun planning for the 2025-26 season and hinted that “there’s some DNA that needs to change” within the team.
Bissonnette echoed Treliving’s comments and spoke out about other Toronto pending free agents as well.
“Generational talent that has the ability to come back and change the narrative. That’s what I want…Tell JT (John Tavares) hometown discount or beat it and Knies should get 8m if we’re being serious. If he accepts offer sheet tell him to f*** off too,” Bissonnette said.
Tavares’ contract is up and he is a pending free agent as well from July. The 22-year-old Knies will become an RFA in the summer as well.
The Leafs need to move out players like: Holmberg, Kampf, Lorenzo, Robertson and Hakanpaa. Try to keep the core people together for another year. Need a strong forward lines and player who can score. Matthew need to improve in 25-26.