As speculation continues over Mitch Marner’s future in Toronto, TSN’s Bryan Hayes suggested that he’s no longer certain about what will happen next.
Marner, 28, completed his six-year, $65.41 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
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Many expect his Game 7 exit against Florida to mark the end of his tenure in Toronto, especially after he declined to waive his no-movement clause at the March deadline.
But Hayes questioned that assumption while appearing on TSN’s “OverDrive” on Wednesday, leaving the door open for a potential return to Toronto as long as both sides can find common ground.
“There is this conclusion that has taken off that (Marner) is gone,” Hayes said. “That may be the case, it may be the case that he has made up his mind that he has to leave. Maybe there is a scenario where the Leafs look at it and say we need to change, too.
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“But, I’m not convinced as I was a day ago that it’s a foregone conclusion he’s out of there.”
Hayes pointed to the team’s history of inaction with its core players as reason to be skeptical, as the Leafs already went through a similar situation last offseason.
“What makes you think the Leafs have the stomach all of a sudden to say we can live without this guy?” Hayes said. “I’ll believe it when I see it.
“It’s not my opinion of what should happen. What I am saying is the Leafs, year after year, have proven they don’t have the stomach to do it.”
Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch MarnerNick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Marner, who posted 27 goals and 75 assists for 102 points in 81 games this season, did little to remove the uncertainty when asked about his future during end-of-season media availability.
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“I’ve always loved my time here. I loved being here,” Marner said. “I haven’t processed anything yet. It’s still so fresh.
“I’ll sit down with my wife. I’ll start talking and trying to figure out what the next steps are.”
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