Mitch Marner may have just played his final game with the Maple Leafs. The Toronto winger, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, has been avoiding questions all season about his future with the team. During the Leafs’ post-game media session after their Game 7 loss to Florida in the playoffs, Marner was asked straight up if he plans to stay in Toronto. He didn’t give a clear answer, leaving fans and teammates wondering about his intentions.
Marner, who is 28 years old, has spent his entire nine-year career with the Leafs since being drafted fourth overall in 2015. A hometown boy, Marner has always expressed his love for representing his childhood team. Despite his loyalty, contract negotiations between Marner and the Leafs fell through during the season, leading to speculation about his future. The Leafs even asked Marner to consider waiving his no-trade clause before the trade deadline in March, but he refused to leave the team.
The Leafs’ disappointing playoff exit at the hands of the Panthers raised even more questions about Marner’s future. After holding a 2-0 series lead, Toronto collapsed, losing three straight games to get eliminated. Marner’s performance in the series was lackluster, with only three assists and a minus-four rating in the final five games. This playoff disappointment added to the frustration of Leafs fans, who have seen the team go 0-6 in Game 7s during Marner’s time with the organization. Now, with Marner’s free agency looming, the uncertainty surrounding his future in Toronto is at an all-time high.
John Tavares, another key player for the Leafs, is also facing free agency but has expressed his desire to remain with the team. Tavares has had positive discussions with management about his future in Toronto, indicating that he is committed to finding a way to stay. The possibility of losing both Marner and Tavares in the offseason has created a sense of urgency within the organization to secure their long-term futures with the team.
As Marner contemplates his next move, the Leafs and their fans are left wondering if they will see their star winger in a Toronto jersey next season. The uncertainty surrounding Marner’s future adds another layer of drama to an already tumultuous offseason for the Leafs. Will Marner stay or will he go? Only time will tell.
