Maple Leafs extend qualifying offers to Marner, Kapanen and Johnsson

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Maple Leafs extend qualifying offers to Marner, Kapanen and Johnsson

The Canadian Press Published Tuesday, June 25, 2019 11:47PM EDT

Toronto Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner watches the action from the bench during first period action at the 2015 NHL Rookie Tournament on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015 in London, Ont. (The Canadian Press/Dave Chidley)

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TORONTO -- The Toronto Maple Leafs have extended qualifying offers to four restricted free agents, including star winger Mitch Marner.

Forwards Andreas Johnsson, Kasperi Kapanen and Michael Carcone were also extended offers.

Extending the offers is essentially a formality that allows the Maple Leafs to retain negotiating rights with the players. Marner, Johnsson and Kapanen are certain to turn the offers down.

Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas has said he is close to getting new deals done with Johnsson and Kapanen.

Progress seems to be slower with Marner, who had a career-high 94 points (26 goals, 68 assists) in 82 games last season and will command a significant raise.