After the Toronto Maple Leafs couldn’t beat the Florida Panthers, losing Game 7 by a final result of 6-1 on Sunday, attention quickly turned to the futures of Mitch Marner and John Tavares.
Both forwards are set to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, and after another early playoff exit, speculation around major roster changes will ramp up in quick fashion.
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Mitch Marner, drafted with the No. 4 overall pick by the Leafs in the 2015 NHL draft, fought back emotion while addressing reporters after the loss.
When asked about his future with the team, Marner made clear he hadn’t come to any decision yet.
“I don’t have any thoughts right now,” Marner said. “Pretty devastated with what just happened. I’ve always enjoyed this team and this city, like I’ve always said.”
Leafs captain Auston Matthews, meanwhile, was asked about the possibility of his teammate moving on and what it meant to play alongside him for the last few years.
“He’s like a brother to me, to all of us,” Matthews said. “I think we’re a very tight-knit group. We love him to death. That’s all I’m going to say about that.”
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) looks up at the scoreboard against the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Marner reflected on the opportunity the organization gave him, thanking Toronto for drafting him.
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“It’s meant everything. They took maybe a risky pick on a small kid from Toronto,” Marner said. “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.”
The winger, however, didn’t commit to returning to the Maple Leafs after his contract expires.
“We’ll see what happens,” Marner said.
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