Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to stir up drama across the NHL as the spotlight shifts toward the free agency period. The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is going on, but every team in the league is pretty much focused on Marner. According to reports, Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs have all but accepted what comes next for their longtime teammate.
It’s the gift that keeps on giving in the NHL. Marner’s future seems all but set in stone, with an exit from Toronto reportedly imminent. While the Leafs initially analyzed all their options, they seem to have ran out of both possibilities and energy.
Marner, the former fourth overall pick in the 2015 NHL entry Draft, is reportedly moving on to the next chapter. His departure would kickstart a new era of Maple Leafs hockey. All the eyes are now on captain Matthews. The heavy scrutiny that comes with playing in the Toronto market will ride on his shoulders.
According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs reached out to Marner’s camp, but to no avail. Apparently, Matthews and the rest of the team have come to terms with the organization’s inexorable future—one that no longer intertwines with Marner’s.
“Marner’s camp is not engaged with [Toronto]. And I think everybody knows the way this is going to be heading,” Friedman said during the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast. “On July 1, he’s going to go out there, he’s going to hit the market, he’s going to pick a team, set a contract, and he’s not coming back to Toronto.”
Playing his cards wisely
Marner’s has made firm stance on his future, reportedly making it clear to Toronto he doesn’t intend to return. Still, he isn’t fully convinced on his next step. There is yet uncertainty surrounding both his destination and the length of his stay.
Initially, most reports linked Marner to a seven-year extension at top dollar. While that’s still within the realm of possibility, Friedman indicated that Marner might prefer a shorter deal—possibly a four-year contract.
Marner might have taken a page off Matthews’ book, who signed a four-year extension in Toronto. Signing such a deal would grant Marner a big chance to secure another big payday in the future. If that’s the case, Marner would re-enter the market as as 32-year-old.
Taking his sweet time
There’s apparently no turning back now: Marner is expected to become an UFA on July 1st. However, a verdict on his next team might not be announced during the opening day of the free agency period. Instead, Friedman stated Marner and his camp might look to set up interviews and even visit certain potential suitors prior to any final decision.
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“It sounds like the possibility exists that this may not be a July 1 thing. Marner’s choice could be to set up Zooms, or if teams want in-person meetings, on July 1 or right after, and then maybe he goes and visits one or two places,” Friedman said.