Leafs GM Treliving expects Mitch Marner to ‘hit the market’ on July 1

While many have speculated, it looks even more like Mitch Marner’s tenure in his hometown is finished.

When speaking to the media on Thursday, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving stated that things are looking bleak in re-signing pending unrestricted free agent forward Mitch Marner. Treliving mentioned that, unless things change, there’s a good chance Marner will be hitting free agency.

“I wouldn’t say a whole lot has changed right now. We’ve had communication,” Treliving said. “Unless there’s a significant change here, I would anticipate he’s going to hit the market, and we’ll see where things go.”

Even prior to the Maple Leafs being eliminated by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the second round of this year’s playoffs, people were already predicting what number Marner would sign at if he were to explore free agency. Following another early exit, where the Toronto native and company failed to meet expectations when it mattered most, the prognostications about his future were almost confirmed.

Marner, currently Daily Faceoff’s top free agent available, is expected to receive a huge payday. AFP Analytics believes the former London Knight could receive up to as much as $13 million a year for a long-term contract. Despite his playoff woes, some expect teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks to be knocking on the door for the 28-year-old.

His skillset speaks for itself. It’s why Marner finally hit the century mark this past season, posting career highs in assists (75) and points (102) in 81 games. He’s scored over 90 points four times in his career, and three times in the last four years. The only reason he failed to reach that mark during the 2023-24 campaign was because injuries limited him to 69 games.

In 657 regular-season games with the Leafs, Marner has scored 221 goals and 520 assists for 741 points, including 63 points in 70 postseason appearances.