Mitch Marner Discusses Next Steps with Maple Leafs Ahead of Free Agency

After a disappointing season yet again for the Toronto Maple Leafs, led with fan anger after the Game 7 blowout to the Florida Panthers, losing 6-1, Mitch Marner spoke openly about his future in Toronto.

Marner is an Unrestricted Free Agent at the end of this season, with the potential that the 28-year-old hometown Marner may find himself out of Toronto after nine years with the club.

It looked as if Marner could command a hefty contract with Toronto, one that would potentially near or rival Captain Auston Matthews with a rising cap, with Marner riding high earlier in the year with the game-winning assist in the Four Nations to win gold for Canada.

Now, with uncertainty after yet another short playoff run for Toronto, although arguably the deepest of the core-four era, it's not certain Mitch Marner is back with the Leafs, something the forward spoke about at the team's end-of-season availability.

Mitch Marner says right now is too soon to discuss his future, just recently coming off the team's elimination, but he knows the time to do so is coming.

Marner says the goal is to be back, saying he wants to continue playing with the Toronto Maple Leafs in his future.

Leafs head coach Craig Berube praised Marner, calling him a highly coachable player who has earned the respect of his new coach.

Toronto will likely still be in talks for a long-term deal for Marner, although the team's inability to progress past the second round of the playoffs remains a question, and Toronto also has John Tavares and Matthew Knies among other players to re-sign.

Teams with deep cap space and the need for a top-line veteran forward will surely be willing to pay a lot more than some Leafs fans, and perhaps the brass feel is the right price for Marner.

One team that has been deeply discussed as a suitor is the Chicago Blackhawks, according to a report.

Other teams, such as a reunion with former GM Kyle Dubas in Pittsburgh, are a potential team to make an offer for Marner.

Marner has been linked to Chicago as a possible high-impact playmaker to put alongside star youngster Connor Bedard, giving the sophomore his first major star linemate in his prime.

Some Blackhawks fans and analysts are divided on the idea of adding Marner, although he would be a major addition.

Mitch Marner's future may not come right away, and it's looking very possible he will head to the open market on July 1st to test the free agent waters, but Marner has made it clear his goal is to remain in Toronto, but ultimately what will depend is where the right place is, whether with the Leafs or not.