As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for a must-win Game 6 against the Florida Panthers , fans may be bracing for more than just playoff elimination — they could be witnessing the end of an era. Star forward Mitch Marner , a cornerstone of the franchise for nearly a decade, is widely expected to test free agency this summer, and signs point to a clean break from Toronto.
Mitch Marner’s exit may mark a major turning point for the Leafs’ core
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston of The Athletic, the chances of Marner re-signing with the Maple Leafs are virtually nonexistent. “There is absolutely zero reason to believe that he’ll be signing another contract in Toronto on or before July 1 – not after refusing to negotiate an in-season extension with the Leafs or even considering a request from management to waive his no-movement clause at the trade deadline,” Johnston wrote.
The 28-year-old winger has been a vital piece of the Leafs' offensive puzzle, finishing the regular season with 102 points in 81 games — a career-high. In the playoffs, he’s not far behind William Nylander, tallying 12 points despite Toronto’s offensive struggles in Games 3 through 5. The Leafs have only scored five goals across those three games, losing their series lead and falling behind 3-2.
But Marner’s future seems all but decided. The former No. 4 overall pick has been a consistent point producer, logging at least 85 points in five of his last seven seasons, including three 90-point campaigns. Still, Johnston suggests Marner may be seeking a fresh start — away from the shadow of teammates like Auston Matthews, Nylander, and captain John Tavares.
With Game 6 taking place in Florida, the pressure is at a boiling point. Toronto not only needs to win to stay alive in the playoffs, but they may also be fighting to give Marner one final homecoming. “Unless the Leafs can pick themselves up off the mat and win Game 6 on the road in Florida on Friday night, this may be how it ends for Marner in Toronto,” Johnston added.
Also Read: "You'll never be as good as your dad": How brutal criticism pushed Wayne Gretzky's son Ty Gretzky away from pro hockey
If this is indeed the end, Marner’s departure could be a defining moment in reshaping the franchise’s future.
Mitch Marner’s exit may mark a major turning point for the Leafs’ core
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston of The Athletic, the chances of Marner re-signing with the Maple Leafs are virtually nonexistent. “There is absolutely zero reason to believe that he’ll be signing another contract in Toronto on or before July 1 – not after refusing to negotiate an in-season extension with the Leafs or even considering a request from management to waive his no-movement clause at the trade deadline,” Johnston wrote.
Mitch Marner on potential end of Leafs career: pic.twitter.com/6CTmWShof0
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 15, 2025
The 28-year-old winger has been a vital piece of the Leafs' offensive puzzle, finishing the regular season with 102 points in 81 games — a career-high. In the playoffs, he’s not far behind William Nylander, tallying 12 points despite Toronto’s offensive struggles in Games 3 through 5. The Leafs have only scored five goals across those three games, losing their series lead and falling behind 3-2.
But Marner’s future seems all but decided. The former No. 4 overall pick has been a consistent point producer, logging at least 85 points in five of his last seven seasons, including three 90-point campaigns. Still, Johnston suggests Marner may be seeking a fresh start — away from the shadow of teammates like Auston Matthews, Nylander, and captain John Tavares.
With Game 6 taking place in Florida, the pressure is at a boiling point. Toronto not only needs to win to stay alive in the playoffs, but they may also be fighting to give Marner one final homecoming. “Unless the Leafs can pick themselves up off the mat and win Game 6 on the road in Florida on Friday night, this may be how it ends for Marner in Toronto,” Johnston added.
Also Read: "You'll never be as good as your dad": How brutal criticism pushed Wayne Gretzky's son Ty Gretzky away from pro hockey
If this is indeed the end, Marner’s departure could be a defining moment in reshaping the franchise’s future.
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