Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving drops major hint on Mitch Marner's future in Toronto

With just days remaining until the start of 2025 NHL free agency, it appears increasingly likely that Mitch Marner will be hitting the open market. Marner’s six-year, $65.4 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs concluded with the 2024-25 NHL season. Following the Leafs’ second-round playoff exit, the outlook surrounding the star forward’s future has grown uncertain.

Now, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has seemingly all but confirmed the possibility of Marner testing free agency.

“I’d probably describe it, unless there’s a significant change here, I would anticipate that he’s going to hit the market,” Treliving said, as quoted by insider Jonas Siegel on X.

Talks between the team and Marner's agent, Darren Ferris, started last season, but nothing concrete came out of the exchange. Earlier in May, Treliving said he is preparing for every possible outcome.

"I think Mitch is a tremendous player. I think he's a star," Treliving said, via NHL.com. "We're in that process right now. Mitch and I had a discussion, and my discussion was, 'Let's take a step back, breathe a little'… We're going to meet as a staff, ...You have to prepare for every potential outcome."

Mitch Marner had a strong season in 2024-25, in which he scored 27 goals and had 75 assists in 82 games. He finished with 102 points and a +18 rating. At times, Leafs' coach Craig Berube utilised him at defense, showing his versatility.

The Leafs' playoff disappointment, however, extended into this season as they were knocked out in the second round by eventual champions Florida Panthers. Marner faltered once again, failing to score in his last four games while only registering one assist to his name.

With Treliving earlier emphasizing the need to change the team’s "DNA", all signs now point towards Marner's unceremonious exit once the free agency window opens on July 1.

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Mitch Marner has also signaled his intent to become a free agent

The situation with Mitch Marner was becoming clear as weeks passed after the Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff exit. First, in the exit interviews, Marner said he enjoys playing in Toronto but gave no clear answer about his future.

"I've always loved my time here (in Toronto)," the Leafs forward said, via NHL.com. "I loved being here … I've been so grateful."

Later in June, Mitch Marner canceled his yearly charity event in the city. That added to rumors about a possible move. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun also reported that several teams will try to sign him if he does enter free agency.