Toronto Maple Leafs fans have surely held out hope that Mitch Marner would stay home.
The two-way forward is the most valuable free agent in the NHL, the type of player that’s always tough to see go, especially if he’s a local.
But on the return to Toronto front, the news isn’t great.
Maple Leafs reporter Elliotte Friedman wrote this about Marner recently:
“The Maple Leafs have tried to talk to Marner. Marner’s camp has not engaged with them. And I think everyone knows the way this is going to be headed, that on July 1st, he’s going to go out there, he’s going to hit the market, he’s going to pick a team, he’s going to set a contract, and he’s not coming back to Toronto.”
Brutal.
Marner has been linked a lot with a move out west to either the Ducks or the Golden Knights, but those aren’t the only places with interest.
It’ll be a bummer for the Maple Leafs to see him go no matter what specific team Marner signs with. He’s been one of their best players for years.
But sometimes, partnerships come to an end, especially when there’s huge money available out there from other teams.
Wherever Marner goes, he’ll be tough to replace in Toronto.
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