The Toronto Maple Leafs remain a franchise shaken by their painful elimination from the NHL playoffs after falling to the Florida Panthers in the seventh game of the series. The Canadian franchise could face several changes during the offseason, including the future of right winger Mitch Marner.
Marner and Toronto are currently in an uncertain situation. The only definite fact is that the 28-year-old player is set to become a free agent on July 1 and has already been linked to other NHL teams that could give him a leading role on their rosters.
However, regarding his future, Marner reportedly has one condition that excludes six NHL teams from his list of potential destinations. According to insider Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, the Maple Leafs player is seeking a complete change of scenery for next season.
Which teams are out of the running to sign Marner?
“According to an executive, Marner does not want to play in Canada if he leaves Toronto,” Di Marco said on his X account (formerly Twitter). This statement effectively rules out the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, and Montreal Canadiens from the race.
In his situation, Marner will likely focus on the usual candidates that most free agents target, with the notable exception of excluding all Canadian teams in an effort to get a fresh start after spending his entire career in Toronto. This decision is striking, considering that last season the 28-year-old winger achieved his personal best with 102 points.
Marner set to leave Toronto
The exclusion of Canadian teams also includes the Maple Leafs themselves. “In my opinion, it is more likely Mitch Marner tests the market than re-signs in Toronto. I think pretty much it’s a done deal Mitch Marner is going to market; very, very likely,” added insider Pierre LeBrun of TSN, providing clarity on Marner’s future.