Mitch Marner is facing a turning point in his career. With his contract set to expire in 2025 and after yet another disappointing playoff run, the Toronto Maple Leafs forward has come under the spotlight and is believed to have made a final decision regarding his NHL future with Auston Matthews’ team.
Marner’s numbers from last season (102 points) are more than enough to warrant serious contract negotiations, but the team’s desire to rebuild the roster is pulling him away from reaching a new deal with the Leafs.
Meanwhile, Matthews remains the franchise’s cornerstone moving forward. With the offseason approaching, Marner reportedly doesn’t want to waste time and may have already made a final call on the next step in his NHL career.
The final decision Marner has reportedly made
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, Marner’s final decision is to become a free agent. However, that doesn’t necessarily rule out a return to Toronto. “Marner will test the open market, but the Leafs will be a team he considers on July 1st,” Johnston said on The CJ Show.
Mitch Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs stands during the anthem prior to the game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 18, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
An Uncertain Future for Marner
A player in his prime like Marner has all options on the table, including a return to Toronto if free agency doesn’t bring him a compelling offer. While his preference is to avoid signing with another Canadian franchise in search of a fresh start, nothing is set in stone.
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Marner won’t be short on suitors this offseason, and several teams are already keeping a close eye on him with plans to make an offer. Among the franchises that could make a move soon are the Vegas Golden Knights, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Carolina Hurricanes, and even the Utah Mammoth.
