Mitch Marner Reacts to Emotional News Regarding Former Teammate

Although Mitch Marner might be headed out of Toronto this upcoming offseason, he spent a lot of time here with several faces coming and going, and many many friendships being made along the way.

News broke Tuesday that former Maple Leafs forward and long-time Islander Matt Martin decided to announce his retirement from the NHL, and was transitioning into a special assistant role to GM Mathieu Darche.

Martin spent two seasons with the Maple Leafs, and while it's not a huge amount of time, he still made an impact as a veteran enforcer willing to help the younger players.

One of those players was Marner, who decided to give Martin his flowers and congratulated him on a well-deserved retirement.

Marner mentioned Martin was a one of one type of person, and while he was certainly not the big offensive impactful type of star, he managed a long career backed by his willingness to be physical, stick up for his teammates, and give 100% every time he stepped on the ice.

In 132 games with the Leafs, Martin added 21 points (8G, 23A) with 173 PIM and 447 hits while mainly playing a bottom-six role with the team.

Marner has been all the rage recently given that the superstar forward is expected to receive a massive contract in the coming weeks, and while it's the longest of shots; he could very well join Martin next year.

The team would need to get rid of some other unsightly deals first, and if they are going to bring Marner in, then another former Maple Leaf, Pierre Engvall, needs to be either bought out or dealt elsewhere but the potential is there.

Although that would be a stunning revelation in the Marner sweepstakes, it seems like he'll more than likely end up in Vegas, and if his house-shopping venture is any indication; Sin City is the place he'll choose.

Marner, 28, is coming off a career 102-point season and played himself into potentially the richest contract in the NHL, and he'll be free to go anywhere he pleases with tons of suitors waiting eagerly.

Are the Islanders one of those teams? Only time will tell.