Mitch Marner's Future With the Maple Leafs Hinges on One Key Factor, per Insider

Mitch Marner, 28, has been at the center of questions over his future with his expiring contract, with his performance in the Stanley Cup playoffs bringing more questions about just how much the Leafs are willing to keep him.

Although Marner has been one of the top players in the NHL in the regular season, he is struggling to convert that into playoff success, with just 12 points in 11 games played, a fine production total but with just four points in five games vs Florida.

Toronto, in general, has struggled with finding its offence from its top-six.

Auston Matthews has just three points, without a goal for the former Rocket Richard winner. John Tavares has only two goals.

Now, Mitch Marner may need to step up as the Leafs are down 3-2, and he has one more chance to prove himself with his next contract looming, because it may be his last.

Writing for ' The Athletic', Chris Johnston reports that if the Leafs don't beat the Panthers in the next game and are eliminated, it could be Marner's final game for Toronto.

Johnston also reports that the loss could spell the end of Brendan Shanahan's tenure as Leafs president as well.

Marner isn't too worried about his contract as the postseason is still ongoing, but Marner, who had a season high 102 points in the regular season, has not set him up for what is supposed to be a big payday in Toronto with his offseason play.

Nylander and Matthews have little to worry about given they both are signed long-term, making Marner the odd one out in terms of a cultural change for the Leafs.

If Toronto wants to make a statement from a lack of postseason success together and moving on from a star forward, it's likely to come from the easiest to move key player in Marner.

Multiple major changes could be underway for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as a potential identity shift may be looming if they end their season with yet another disappointing loss marked with "what-ifs" yet again.