As Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner approaches unrestricted free agency on July 1, speculation about his long-term future with the team is intensifying. The 27-year-old winger, who turns 28 in May, is coming off a career-best regular season with 102 points—making him just the fourth player in franchise history to hit the century mark. Yet, as the playoffs begin, this postseason run could be his last in a Maple Leafs jersey.
Marner has remained tight-lipped about his contract situation, telling The Athletic on April 4: “I’m here to just play hockey. It’s a business out there. I know what’s going on.”
On Wednesday, a TSN panel featuring NHL insiders Jeff O’Neill, Carlo Colaiacovo, and Bob McKenzie weighed in on Marner’s future, offering differing perspectives.
O’Neill: Skeptical About a Return
O’Neill gave just a 40% chance of Marner staying in Toronto, particularly if the team falls short in the playoffs. “If the team doesn’t have success in the playoffs, then what’s the sense of bringing all the players back?” he said. “This is nothing against Mitch—he’s a fantastic player. Someone’s going to pay him. But if he can’t win here, what’s the point in bringing everybody back?”
Colaiacovo: Confident Marner Stays
In contrast, Colaiacovo was far more optimistic, putting the odds at 80%. “They’re the Maple Leafs—they can offer him an eighth year and the most money,” he said. “He’s a hometown kid. I can’t see him playing anywhere else. He loves it there, he’s one of their best players, and I don’t think they risk losing him for nothing.”
McKenzie: Free Agency Looms Large
McKenzie sided with O’Neill, also giving a 40% chance of Marner re-signing. He suggested that Marner is likely testing free agency. “If he wanted to sign before now, he would have,” McKenzie said. “He’s going to see what’s out there. Could he still return after hitting the market? Sure. But situations change.”
For now, Marner and the Maple Leafs are focused on their first-round playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, with Game 1 set for Sunday. But as the offseason approaches, the debate over his future will only grow louder.
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