Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner Predicted to Leave For East Rival After Playoff Exit

The Toronto Maple Leafs fell short of going on a deep playoff run once again, and the offseason now begins for them. This could end up being a crucial summer for Toronto since multiple key players are set to hit free agency.

One of those is star Mitch Marner, and he is expected to be a hot name on the open market. Many people don't see Marner returning to the Maple Leafs, and there will likely be high bidding for his services. 

Marner said that he hasn't thought about his future, but the opposing front offices certainly have. One team that could make sense for him is the Pittsburgh Penguins.

NHL writer Adam Herman of Bleacher Report listed Pittsburgh as a landing spot for Marner, and the pairing seems like it could be great.

"In some ways, the dots here are easy to connect. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas knows Marner very well, having been in charge in Toronto for years. The team has a long-term vision in mind, but is looking to add NHL talent to stay competitive in the final years of Sidney Crosby's career."

"For Marner's part, what winger wouldn't want to be centered by No. 87? It could be Phil Kessel all over again. Having lived through the media circus in Toronto, where the core of the team was questioned on national TV every week, a transition to Pittsburgh, where nobody would dare question the capacity of its leadership group, could alleviate all of the pressure on Marner."