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Mitch Marner Breaks Silence on Maple Leafs Future Amid Contract Uncertainty

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 5, 2025 6:52 AM ET

Mitch Marner hasn’t signed an extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and as unrestricted free agency inches closer, the star forward has shared an update on where things stand.

Marner spoke briefly to The Athletic's Jonas Siegel about the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future before Toronto takes on the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.

Asked how he felt about the possibility of the Leafs moving on if no deal is signed, Marner offered a blunt take.

“I’m here to just play hockey. That’s what I expressed at the start of the year and express now.

“It’s a business out there. I know what’s going on. I’m just here to play hockey. I’m here to enjoy everything and go through the ups and downs with these guys, and just take it day by day and try to help us win games.”

Marner didn’t elaborate on why contract talks haven’t progressed or whether discussions have been paused with his agent, Darren Ferris, who is known for using that strategy frequently.

“I haven’t looked at it any sort of way,” Marner said. “Like I said, I’m here to play hockey. That’s what I’m here to do. I’ll leave it at that.”

Pushed to clarify what he is planning to do in terms of contract negotiations, Marner simply said, “That’ll come when that’ll come.”

The 27-year-old is nearing the end of his six-year, $65.4 million deal, which carries a $10.9 million cap hit.

Marner has 93 points in 74 games this season and leads the team in total points and assists (69). The winger is tied for fourth in the NHL points leaderboard and has notched the third-most assists leaguewide through Friday.

The Maple Leafs (46-25-4) lead the Atlantic Division with 96 points, three more than the Tampa Bay Lightning in second and four above the reigning champions, the Florida Panthers, in third.

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

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