Berube spoke for the second time since being named new head coach of the Leafs in May.
LAS VEGAS — If you are a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, you've probably already seen the photo
As rampant speculation persisted over Mitch Marner's future with the club, a stealth photo of the player surfaced on social media.
"It's not surprising at all and to be honest with you I forgot about it already," Berube said. "I don't care, I'm just focused on the player."
Berube said he's met with players either in person or via Zoom as he gets to his new team. So what did he get to learn about Marner?
"He's a character guy, a great person," Berube said. "I'm looking forward to coaching him."
It's not clear if you should read anything one way or another into Berube saying he looked forward to coaching him. As of right now, Marner is a member of the Maple Leafs and does hold all the cards about his short-term future, given he has a full no-movement clause in his contract.
The Maple Leafs are looking to improve defensively and moving Marner might be able to help Toronto do that, given his massive $10.903 million cap hit. There have been various reports about Marner's future and if the Leafs want to extend him, trade him or do nothing at all.
One thing seems to be clear. Berube recognizes the talent that is Marner and given that the one they call 'Chief' is a new voice in the room, perhaps he sees it as a challenge to get the best out of the player.
During Treliving Pre-Draft availability, Treliving said he didn't want to speculate on any of the reports or chatter on Marner, only saying that the player knows how he feels about him.
Marner, who has 639 points in 576 games in the NHL, all with the Leafs, is eligible to sign a contract extension as soon as July 1.
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