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Mitch Marner's Potential Maple Leafs Exit Sparks Unexpected Debate

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 9:22 AM ET

Mitch Marner’s nine-year run with the Toronto Maple Leafs could end this summer, with signs pointing toward a possible exit in free agency.

That uncertainty has brought renewed attention to his legacy with the franchise and whether his No. 16 jersey should ever be retired by the team, as premature as that might sound.

Appearing on TSN 1050 Toronto on Monday, former NHL player Jeff O'Neill and NHL analyst Bryan Hayes broke down the case for and against Marner being honored with a spot in the rafters.

O'Neill, who played 821 games in the NHL, questioned whether Marner’s resume warrants that recognition, even though he is atop most statistical categories.

Marner ranks in the Maple Leafs' top five in regular-season points, assists (he's fourth), and also in total postseason points.

"I think I’m top five in a lot of categories for the Hurricanes, and I don’t even get a phone call from them," O’Neill said.

Hayes, meanwhile, acknowledged the challenge but emphasized that Marner’s career stats place him firmly in the conversation of a jersey retirement.

"I’d say the chances of #16 going to the rafters would be around 33 percent," Hayes said.

With free agency set to open July 1, Hayes also addressed whether or not the optics would change if Marner departs Toronto without signing a contract extension.

"I’m curious about what the aftermath looks and sounds like if that happens," Hayes said. "If he signs somewhere else—let's say he goes to Anaheim—does he play the game?

"Do other people play the game on what happened, why he left? Does it matter at that point? Maybe it won't"

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

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