May 19, 2025 | 1:05pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

LEAFS FOCUS IMMEDIATELY SHIFTS TO MARNER’S FUTURE

Mitch Marner, right wing

Almost as soon as the Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated from the playoffs in Game 7 to the Florida Panthers on Sunday, questions over Mitch Marner’s future with the organization arose.

Marner, 28, is in the final year of his six-year, $65.408 million contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

While it appears that Marner is poised to test the free agent market this summer, he told reporters after the game that he’s “devastated” by the loss and has not yet thought about his future.

“It’s sad. It’s heartbreaking. We’re not happy with that outcome, either,” Marner said, referring to the disappointment felt by the fanbase.

“I don’t have any thoughts right now. Pretty devastated with what just happened.”

Marner stated that being a Maple Leafs has meant “everything” to him, but would not elaborate further.

“(They) took maybe a risky pick on a small kid from Toronto and (I’ve) been forever grateful to be able to wear this Maple Leaf and be a part of some of the great legends here. . . never taken a day for granted and always loved it.”

Marner will be due for a solid raise on his next deal after putting up 102 points in 81 games this season. Since the 2018-19 campaign, Marner has been on pace for, or eclipsed, 90 points in every season.

He is expected to command more than $13 million per season on his next contract and if he hits July 1, there will be plenty of suitors knocking on the door, with the anticipation that clubs like the Chicago Blackhawks, Utah Mammoth, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Calgary Flames take a serious run at him.

Meanwhile, veteran John Tavares is also due to become a UFA this summer and the Maple Leafs and his camp have had an open dialogue all season, with interest in keeping the relationship going from both sides.

Tavares, 34, is in the final year of a seven-year, $77 million contract and is expected to command around $6 million, per season, on a two-year or three-year deal if he re-signs with the Maple Leafs.

Contract talks between the Leafs and Tavares are expected to pick up in the coming weeks.