TSN's McKenzie, one of the most trustworthy NHL reporters, believes Marner's decision will drag into the summer, creating uncertainty for the Maple Leafs as they navigate contract

Veteran NHL insider Bob McKenzie believes Mitch Marner will explore free agency before deciding on his next contract, a scenario that could spell trouble for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

When his Canada teammates needed it the most, Mitch Marner set up the tournament-winning goal at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, finding Connor McDavid for the winner. That goal sent Canada into a frenzy, helping the nation win the first hockey best-on-best tournament since 2016.

Even if Marner asks for a similar percentage of the expected 2025-26 cap ($95.5 million), he'd overtake Nylander ($11.5 million AAV) in the Maple Leafs' salary table with an AAV of $12.75 million, trailing only Matthews' $13.25 million per season.

I can only imagine just how cathartic the victory for Canada at the Four Nations Face-Off must have been for Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner. After years of failing to find success in the biggest and most important games,

Mitch Marner has returned to Toronto and is ready to use his 4 Nations Face-Off experience as a positive moving forward throughout this Maple Leafs’ season.