Reports: Mitch Marner appears likely to test free agency

Marner effectively bet on himself and did not negotiate his contract in-season, electing to wait until the end of the playoffs. Toronto’s winger posted a career-best 102 points during the regular season, while posting two goals and 13 points in 13 playoff games. Marner was criticized for a string of poor performances to close out the second-round series against the Panthers, and though it’s possible both parties arrive at a deal after July 1, it seems at the very least, the winger will entertain offers from other teams.

“The Leafs have lost control of this situation as an organization because Mitch Marner can be a free agent,” The Athletic’s Chris Johnston said on The Chris Johnston Show. “It does appear to me that he’s going to walk away in free agency. So that’s obviously just a massive hole in your lineup. Whatever you think of Mitch Marner, it’s hard to paint potentially losing a 102-point scorer for nothing as a positive. I realize that comes with more cap space to spend elsewhere. There aren’t very many Mitch Marner’s growing on trees, in fact, there’s only one and that’s why he’s going to chase this free agency, because he’s going to have some unique and lucrative opportunities for him.”

There may be some further clarity Tuesday, although Marner has been reticent to speak about his contract negotiations throughout the year. It will certainly be one of the key storylines surrounding the Leafs, to say nothing of the larger NHL ecosystem, in the following weeks.