Breaking news out of Toronto today as it has been reported that star forward and hometown product Mitch Marner will not be re-signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and will be signing with a different team this summer.
Can confirm Mitch Marner will not be returning to Toronto. Will be playing for a new team come next season. #LeafsForever
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) June 13, 2025
Maybe expected?
There was rampant speculation that Marner would be playing for a new team next season, but there was always the chance the Leafs and Marner would come to an agreement on a new contract.
That appears to not be in the cards anymore. Elliotte Friedman also reported this morning on the 32 Thoughts Podcast that Marner is likely headed to a Western Conference team, with the Anaheim Ducks emerging as a potential landing spot.
Elliotte Friedman: If Mitch Marner leaves Toronto, I think he's going to a Western Conference team – 32 Thoughts Podcast
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 13, 2025
A huge loss
Despite the flack he took for his playoff performances and perceived softness on the ice, Marner will go down as one of the best hometown Leafs of all time.
He hit the 100 point plateau this past season and has been a major catalyst for the Leafs’ offence ever since he was drafted.
It will be a challenge to replace Marner’s production – 100-point players don’t grow on trees.
Could Matthew Knies fill in for Marner while adding more grit as he develops as an NHL player? Maybe, but to expect Knies to be as dynamic and offensively talented as Marner is asking for a lot.
This is a loss for the Leafs.
Opening the door for Tavares
Further to the news on Marner’s almost certain departure, it appears this could open the door for John Tavares to re-sign with the Leafs after all.
Marner leaving Toronto could open the door for John Tavares to return. Heading into the season the Leafs were expected to allow the veteran center to walk. With Marner leaving that mindset has changed. #LeafsForever
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) June 13, 2025
Tavares is coming off an 80-point campaign, and clearly still has it even with his age. Keeping him in the fold will limit the turnover in the Leafs’ top-six, and provide some stability to the locker room.
However, there is still the risk of the team culture remaining the same if the current and former captains are still around. It will be interesting to see what the Leafs decide with Tavares on July 1st.
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