John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

NHL Insider Drops Shocking Take on Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated May 30, 2025 5:33 PM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner is scheduled to enter free agency this offseason, and it has many around the NHL expect him to have a new team for next season. After another early playoff exit, the Maple Leafs need to make some changes across the roster, and it could see Marner leave the organization.

Marner is expected to have a massive list of suitors this offseason, and the price tag could be extreme. The Maple Leafs star has been rumored to get around $14 million per year this offseason, and that could be too high for Toronto to match.

While Toronto would love to keep Marner in town, it may not be the smartest decision in terms of building a fully contending team. Rachel Doerrie of ESPN makes the case for Toronto not to go after Marner and use that money elsewhere.

"Given Toronto's cap structure, extending Marner is unlikely to result in long-term success, because it would be prohibitive to balancing the lineup. If Marner wants to play on a contending team and win, contract efficiency matters."

Marner has been electric for the Maple Leafs during the regular season, but come layoff time, his production has shrunk. The forward isn't the sole cause for the Maple Leafs' playoff struggles, but he hasn't helped anything.

The veteran posted the lowest marks of his postseason career this year, generating 1.33 shots per game in the first round against the Ottawa Senators and 1.14 in the second round against the Florida Panthers. The Maple Leafs can't afford to spend this much on a player who shrinks in the postseason.

"It has never been clearer that a major shakeup is needed in Toronto. While there were multiple nixed trades that would have allowed Toronto to make significant changes over the past few years, Toronto is left with the reality that a superstar caliber player will likely be lost for nothing. However, Toronto cannot afford to extend Marner on an inefficient contract, especially when playoff performances are considered." Doerrie said.

The Maple Leafs may not want to let Marner leave for nothing, but it could benefit them long-term. Toronto has multiple decisions to make this offseason, but it all starts with what happens with Marner.

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

More must-reads: