Tensions are rising in Toronto between Leafs forward Mitch Marner and head coach Craig Berube, and a source has just revealed the star player could be traded. Improvement this season has been described as more like a Craig Berube-style, defensive-minded game, where the Maple Leafs are tightening up defensively in preparation for playoff hockey where one or two goals often make the difference in the outcome of a given game. Results have been mixed so far, as the Leafs sit with a similar record to what they had at this point last year. But the bigger picture is the journey, learning to adjust to playoff-style, defensive battles, which is what matters for the players and coaches. Few people question whether the Leafs will reach the postseason with their level of talent. The question is, after getting there, will they succeed with this newfound focus on defense? Auston Matthews has taken this defensive shift with remarkable seriousness. He's among the league leaders in blocked shots among forwards, building an ever-serious case for himself as a Selke Trophy contender. In both ends of the ice, he continues to amaze fans and analysts alike. There is the little issue of Mitch Marner, though. He's a pending unrestricted free agent, of course, and his game tends to be more about creativity and offensive flair. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Leafslatest/status/1794505838146531451'> </a></blockquote></div> It's expected he'll pursue a big contract on those merits of that offensive value and to that end, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/report-reveals-that-mitch-marner-and-his-agent-are-unhappy-with-how-much-ice-time-craig-berube-is-giving-him' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>may not entirely fit into this newer defensive system</a>. Many around the league believe one of Marner or William Nylander won't be back next season, putting added pressure on the latter in whom his offensive output, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/craig-berube-and-mitch-marner-open-up-about-major-changes-made-to-the-maple-leafs-struggling-power-play' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>mostly on a struggling power play</a>, hasn't been stellar. The conflict is clear. Can Marner flourish under a defensive-minded Berube or <a href='https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/four-mitch-marner-trades-the-maple-leafs-could-consider/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>does the opportunity exist for the Leafs to trade him</a> while his value is high? The potential return, as per a source via Eklund, and with the majority of the teams around the league having interest, could dramatically shape the Leafs' future.