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Mitch Marner's Latest Move Fuels Speculation About Maple Leafs Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 6:43 AM ET

The offseason spotlight on Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner intensified Monday.

Reports emerged confirming that Marner had cancelled his annual charity event, scheduled for July 10 and 11 in Toronto, a staple in the Ontario community since he joined the organization.

The Marner Assist Foundation released a statement attributing the decision to the uncertainty surrounding the star winger’s summer schedule.

“After thoughtful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event,” the foundation said. “The uncertainty around Mitch’s summer schedule makes it challenging to plan responsibly.

”Out of respect for the time and commitment of our partners and supporters, we feel it’s best to make this decision now.”

Mitch Marner has CANCELLED his yearly Toronto summer charity event. ❌

“After thoughtful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event, scheduled for July 10th and 11th. The uncertainty around Mitch’s summer schedule makes it challenging to… pic.twitter.com/jUDVvpXXC7
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) June 16, 2025

The event, known as the Marner All-Star Invitational, has in past years welcomed NHL players and celebrities to raise money for youth-focused causes.

Since its inception in 2018, the foundation has raised more than $2 million for children’s health, education, and social programs across Toronto.

While no official link between this cancellation and Marner's potential exit as a free agent has been confirmed, the move surely adds fuel to the growing belief that Marner’s time in Toronto is nearing an end.

The 27-year-old is set to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1, and Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Sunday that the Maple Leafs and Marner's camp have not engaged in any conversations.

“The Maple Leafs have tried to talk to Marner," Friedman said. "Marner’s camp is not engaged with them. I think everybody knows the way this is going to be heading — that on July 1, he’s going to hit the market.”

The Maple Leafs drafted Marner with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft. Through the end of the 2025 season, Marner has notched 741 points in 657 games over nine seasons in Toronto.

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

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