“I wasn’t focused on it. I had a feeling that maybe something might happen, but I’m here to play hockey with this team, and that’s what I’m focused on,” Marner said.
When asked if he envisions himself with the Leafs next season, Marner avoided a direct answer. Instead, he expressed gratitude for his time in Toronto without providing clarity on his future.
“I’m not going to get into contract stuff. I’ve been very grateful and have loved my time being a Leaf. That’s how I’ll leave it,” he said.
Does Mitch Marner envision himself being a Leaf next season?
“I’m not going to get into this contract stuff. I’ve been very grateful & I’ve loved my time being a Leaf. That’s [how] I’ll leave it with you guys.”
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) March 9, 2025
Reports indicate that Carolina inquired about Marner in a potential trade for Mikko Rantanen before ultimately dealing Rantanen to the Dallas Stars. Toronto reportedly countered by offering Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten, and two first-round picks, but Carolina preferred Logan Stankoven, leading to the trade with Dallas.
Sources suggest Toronto informed Marner that they wanted to keep him but had to consider the trade. However, Marner declined to waive his no-movement clause, signaling his desire to remain with the team.
Now in his ninth season with the Leafs, Marner has recorded 19 goals and 58 assists for 77 points in 61 games. His performance has helped Toronto remain competitive in the Atlantic Division despite an extended absence from Auston Matthews earlier in the season.
Marner is in the final year of a six-year, $65.4 million contract signed in 2019, leaving the Maple Leafs with a decision to either extend his contract or explore trade options.
Meanwhile, despite two goals each from Marner and John Tavares, the Maple Leafs fell 7-4 to the Colorado Avalanche. Toronto initially led 4-2 before Colorado mounted a comeback, with Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin sealing the victory with late goals.