Mitch Marner has reportedly shut down narrative about his future after imminent exit from Auston Matthews' Maple Leafs

Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs are apparently writing their final joint chapters in the NHL. With his contract set to expire on July 1 and no intention to stay on Auston Matthews‘ team, Marner is eyeing the exit door. Contrary to widespread speculation, new reports suggest the 28-year-old may not be following the previously rumored path.

It’s been a heck of a ride—though it always seemed to fall just short for the Maple Leafs. Like every star duo in a Canadian market, Marner and Matthews were handed a tall order: hoisting the Stanley Cup. Ultimately, they couldn’t deliver. Now, the former fourth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft has one foot—and maybe more—out the door.

It obviously hurts. There’s no denying Marner’s departure from The Six will linger. While it might be for the best for both sides, this isn’t how anybody in Toronto would’ve wanted this story to end. There is seemingly no solution to the drifting relationship between Marner and Matthews’ Leafs.

Marner’s potential new contract

Now, buzz is growing around the winger’s future. Some rumors suggest Marner could sign a short-term deal with his next team. With such a contract, Marner would hit the market again as a 30-year-old in his prime. However, one insider believes he won’t take that route.

Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on before playing against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“I don’t see Mitch Marner signing a two year deal anywhere,” Nick Krypeos said in dialogue with Sportsnet 590 The Fan about Mitch Marner’s future.

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Maple Leafs reportedly know the price to keep star player alongside Auston Matthews with Mitch Marner set to leave Toronto

Marner reportedly crosses two teams off his list

The clock is ticking and the NHL is entering its witching hour ahead of the Draft and the opening of the free agency period. It’s one of the most intense times of the calendar, and this year’s offseason will be one for the ages.

Marner is set to become the most coveted target in the upcoming free agency, with virtually every team following him closely. However, according to reports, Marner has no interest in joining two potential suitors in the NHL.

“I don’t think the Carolina [Hurricanes] and Columbus [Blue Jackets] would be on his list,” insider Elliotte Friedman commented on TSN.