“I’ve always enjoyed this team and, you know, this city, like, like I’ve always said,” the Toronto native and one of the NHL’s most skilled playmakers reflected when asked about a question that stung Mitch Marner like anything else. Why? Despite the 1-6 loss for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Florida Panthers in Round 2 of the playoff series, concerns regarding Marner’s future with the Leafs were rising high.

While, at that time, Marner did refuse to indulge in any such conversations that discussed him hitting free agency soon, this time, NHL host David Pagnotta on X has some real facts to spill. But what? “Keith Pelley, when asked about Mitch Marner’s future as a Maple Leaf, said we’ll see how that develops/plays out in the coming weeks,” the post read. Wait, does this signal that the Leafs are weighing their options while calling for a potential shift in the franchise’s direction? However, with Marner becoming one of the highest-profile free agents this summer soon, all eyes will be on the Maple Leafs to see whether they retain their current core or explore bold changes.

Reportedly, when asked about further confirmation on Marner and John Tavares’ future with the Leafs, the CEO chose to hand that decisive mantle over to the GM. He reiterated that “further change will probably be needed to get us to the next level, and yesterday was the first step in that direction,” leaving the freedom of choice in Brad Treliving’s hands.

However, ever since entering the NHL with his hometown Toronto in 2016, Mitch Marner has established himself as the league’s crucial player. A fourth overall pick in the 2015 draft, Marner recorded 741 points that were exceeded by only seven elite players in the league so far! Big names like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Sidney Crosby, to name a few. But Marner, at just 28, represented a rare blend of elite production and defensive responsibility.

With quite a good playoff experience, all of which have made him a cornerstone of the Leafs’ core — at least until now, he’s been remarkably consistent, never missing the playoffs in his nine-season career—but now that he approaches unrestricted free agency in about six weeks, the future feels increasingly uncertain despite the Leafs head coach Craig Berube expressing his strong desire to keep him, while he called him “100 percent.”

Now with the conversations shifting towards where he might land next, there are also concerns raised regarding the transformation going on within the franchise, witnessing many exits now!

Who, alongside Mitch Marner, is leaving the Maple Leafs?

While several teams line up to chase Marner in free agency, it’s the internal changes already happening that have already raised questions and concerns regarding the trades. But who left already? Well, someone who left the president’s chair vacant now. Because Brendan Shanahan officially ended his tenure with the Maple Leafs while making an announcement of not renewing his contract.

While this closed his 11-year chapter marked by organizational transformation and regular-season success, Pelley acknowledged the media, making it clear that he doesn’t plan to replace Shanahan but rather take a more collaborative and supportive approach by working closely with the GM and the HC. “I’m looking to work more closely with Brad and Craig. I have incredible confidence in Brad in only his second year… I think we made some strides in Brad’s second season,” he said, while also emphasizing the significance of the upcoming offseason changes.

Perhaps highlighting the major roster decisions looming for Marner and Tavares. And as for Marner, even if the Leafs fail to retain him, the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth, Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, and many more have already shown their interest in the young star, thereby highlighting the potential and prowess of Marner. Well, should the Leafs follow what Berube has to say or make some new transitions?