TSN hockey analyst Darren Dreger says, barring any big break in contract negotiations, restricted free agent Mitch Marner is expected to land in Switzerland during the third week of September to start training with the Zurich Lions of the National League.
Appearing on TSN 1050 Radio, Dreger told the hosts the plan at the moment is for Marner to go to London, Ontario to skate at Budweiser Gardens, where the London Knights of the OHL hold their games. Dreger says Marner is expected to be joined in the interim by fellow RFA Matthew Tkachuk of the Calgary Flames.
With training camps around the NHL getting underway this week, the pressure is on for teams and RFAs to get a deal done so players aren't missing any games during the regular season. However, major breakthroughs are required quickly or it's very likely at least some of the remaining RFAs will indeed be elsewhere when their respective teams take to the ice for their season openers.
Whether Marner actually plays for the Lions should he choose to sit out regular season NHL games remains to be seen.
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Meanwhile, Luke Fox of Sportsnet report Jon Tavares has stayed in contact with Marner throughout the summer.
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