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NHL Insider Opens Door on Possible Maple Leafs Return For Mitch Marner

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 5:54 PM ET

Just when everyone thought star forward Mitch Marner would be leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs this offseason, a new report has changed everything. Marner is scheduled to enter free agency this summer and has been expected to leave the only team that he has ever known in the NHL.

Marner is projected to land a massive contract on the open market, with multiple suitors gearing up to land him. Due to the heavy price tag expected, there may only be a few teams that seriously pursue his services.

However, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the team for Marner has reportedly offered interested teams meetings on July 1. The Maple Leafs are apparently one of those teams that can make a pitch to Marner.

Elliotte Friedman: Mitch Marner's camp has offered teams meetings on July 1st; the Maple Leafs are one of the teams - 32 Thoughts Podcast
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 16, 2025

This seems to be a complete change from other reports that have stated Marner is all but gone from Toronto. But if the Maple Leafs are gearing up for a potential return of Marner, this could change everything for the team.

If the Maple Leafs were to get Marner back in the fold, the offseason would look very different. Due to his expected departure, many have speculated that Toronto could make other drastic changes to the roster after another early playoff exit.

Marner has been a massive presence for the Maple Leafs over the years, and Toronto would need to fill his production somehow. However, it still seems like he may be gone, but this could be a courtesy meeting for the Maple Leafs.

Everything will play itself out over the next few weeks, but this is certainly very interesting, to say the least.

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

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