Mitch Marner Delivers Selfless Message That Leafs Fans Will Truly Respect

As the days tick away, it might not be too long before Mitch Marner is part of another team and what was once the Core Four could potentially be down to half of its previous members.

But there's lots of hockey left to play (hopefully) and with Toronto set for a big playoff run down the line, it is very possible that a successful stint in the postseason could see Marner don the blue and white again for the rest of his career.

If this is the end though, Marner is doing his best to make sure the team is as successful as possible, regardless of all the chatter and on the cusp of 100 points:

It must be a relief to fans that Marner isn't focused on his potential game-changing deal in the summer and his focus remains less on those personal accomplishments which bring that big payday and stick to what really matters: Winning with Toronto.

With questions about his postseason production, if Marner can continue his hot streak and keep providing clutch moment after clutch moment, it'll only be good news for Toronto, and they may not have to play to Game Seven every series.

Granted, we still need to see if Marner will make a difference, but the fact of the matter remains that without him, it's hard to see the team making it out of the first round. Yes, John Tavares is having a career resurgence, and William Nylander is flirting with 50 goals.

But Marner is the glue that keeps the team together, while also being the engine that keeps the Leafs chugging. If he slows down, it's going to bring the collective down and put even more pressure on Tavares, Nylander and Auston Matthews; something Toronto can't rely on.

The Leafs superstar has 97 points in 77 games, and needs only a trio of points to finally hit that elusive century mark; a free agent at the end of the season, Marner is expected to command anywhere from a $12.5-14M per year salary this summer.

For now though, talk about 100 points and contracts aside, it seems like Mitch Marner is motivated to win no matter what, which should bring a big smile to worried fans.

Now just go out there and win the darn thing already.