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John Tavares Keeps 'Realistic' Mindset on Mitch Marner-Maple Leafs Situation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 7:52 AM ET

Now that the Toronto Maple Leafs have locked John Tavares in for another four years, all eyes have shifted to fellow forward Mitch Marner, who is set to hit the free-agent market on July 1.

Tavares, speaking after announcing his own four-year extension with the Maple Leafs, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his teammate’s future.

You never know," Tavares said about Marner's next move. "You always hold out hope that a person and a player like Mitchy ends up staying, and it works out, but you are also realistic about the situation, where things are at, and what could potentially happen.

"If he does move on, I wish him the best, but you always hold out slight hope that it works out."

John Tavares on Mitch Marner: "You always hold out hope that a person and a player like Mitch ends up staying, but you're also realistic of the situation and what potentially could happen. If he does move on, wish him the best. But you always hold hope that it works out." pic.twitter.com/eMyQ3e8lY3
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) June 27, 2025

Marner, 27, is coming off a career-best season in which he scored 102 points in 81 regular-season games, then added 13 points in 13 postseason contests.

Unlike Tavares, who accepted a discounted four-year, $17.55 million deal to remain with his hometown team, Marner is expected to command top dollar on the open market as the undisputed No. 1 free-agent available.

According to Daily Faceoff's projections, Marner is expected to sign a seven-year contract worth $13 million per season.

Maple Leafs' general manager Brad Treliving confirmed the likelihood of Marner leaving when addressing the media before Friday's NHL draft.

“Unless there is significant change here, I would anticipate he’s going to hit the market,” Treliving said. “We’ve had communication. I wouldn’t say a whole lot of change right now.”

Throughout nine seasons in Toronto, Marner scored 741 points in 657 regular-season games to go with 50 points in 70 playoff games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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