Mitch Marner’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs remains uncertain, as he is set to become a free agent in July. There doesn’t appear to be a deal in sight between the franchise and the 28-year-old forward for the 2025–26 NHL season. As things stand, it seems likely that star center Auston Matthews will lose a key linemate up front.
The Maple Leafs’ rebuild is taking shape this offseason, and the Canadian franchise is already believed to have a name in mind to replace Marner, as there are no signs that extension talks are making any progress.
Matthews will lead the Maple Leafs into a new season as they look to break their ongoing playoff struggles, with several intense rivalries still very much alive. It’s even possible that in a future postseason showdown, Toronto could face Marner in a different uniform.
The Maple Leafs’ nemesis that could land Marner
One of the teams with a long and heated rivalry with the Maple Leafs, and reportedly a contender to land Marner, is the Boston Bruins. According to NHL insider James Mirtle of The Athletic, the franchise once led by star Brad Marchand cannot be ruled out as a possible destination for Matthews’ former linemate.
Mitch Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on following a 5-1 loss against the St. Louis Blues at Scotiabank Arena on October 24, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
It would certainly be a shocking move, but Marner could wear the black and gold next season after launching his career with Toronto in the 2016–17 campaign. After nearly a decade with the Maple Leafs, the 28-year-old forward is drawing interest from several franchises and could soon be lining up against Matthews.
see also
NHL News: Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs reportedly set to choose Mitch Marner’s successor
The rivalry between the Maple Leafs and Bruins
The Maple Leafs and Bruins share one of the NHL’s oldest and most intense rivalries, dating back to the league’s early days and the Original Six era. The two teams have faced off since the early 20th century, with their matchups filled with memorable moments, playoff drama, and deep-rooted animosity between their fanbases.
