People were tossing beer and jerseys at the Scotiabank Arena, but it wasn’t a celebration—it was all about frustration. Yeah, the Toronto Maple Leafs just couldn’t catch a break, marking the seventh time they’ve lost a Game 7. It’s pretty gutting, isn’t it? For sure!

So, after everything that’s happened with the historic NHL team, national broadcaster Mike Futa shared his honest thoughts on Mitch Marner’s time with the team. There have been a lot of rumors about Marner possibly leaving the Maple Leafs after this season.

It seems like his post-season performance played a big role in that chatter, especially since he only scored 2 goals and got 11 assists, totaling 13 points. There’s definitely a lot of buzz around the Maple Leafs superstar. “You never know until you’re behind the curtain. I can’t fathom the amount of money that Marner, his statistics basically add up to what he should be making. I don’t see how that balances out with his performance in Toronto,” Futa said. Well, Marner is signed to a 6-year, $65,408,000 contract. However, he is in UFA, and there hasn’t been any new contract for him from the Maple Leafs. Is this the end for Marner?

Until we hear something official, the rumors are just going to keep coming. Futa really wanted to highlight that the $65.4 million contract is a big deal, especially considering the small impact the forward has had during the postseason. Moreover, do you know a brutal stat regarding the player? In the last five postseasons (2019-2024), Marner has had a tough time in those key games, managing to score zero goals and racking up five assists over 16 combined Games 5, 6, and 7.

“Again, he’s a superstar player. He showed some flashes of brilliance throughout his entire tenure here, but it’s gotta be tough. I honestly, I don’t have that. We were talking off the air about this burning jerseys and this ridiculousness. That to me is just so insane, but for a Toronto-born kid to put up the numbers he’s done and really truly embrace, I think, being a Maple Leaf and then to have the lack of success in the playoffs, I think it probably breeds best for him to find himself another home,” Futa said.

It’s pretty frustrating when money doesn’t lead to results, right? You could really see that from the Maple Leafs fans. They showed up once again to cheer for their team at home, only to watch them lose yet another Game 7. The national host believes it’s time for Marner to take action. He’s been really dedicated to Toronto for years, but Futa thinks it’s time for both sides to move on. How crushed was the forward after that disappointing Game 7?

Mitch Marner Was as Disappointed as the Fans

“I don’t have any thoughts right now. Pretty devastated with what just happened. I’ve always enjoyed this team and this city, like I’ve always said,” Mitch Marner shared. Marner has been with the Toronto Maple Leafs since the 2016-17 season, and seeing him not get a chance to lift that Stanley Cup with the team has really left him feeling numb.

Another year, another Game 7 exit—it was really tough on the forward. He went on to share his experience, saying, “It’s meant everything. They took maybe a risky pick on a small kid from Toronto. I’ve been forever grateful to be able to wear this Maple Leaf and be a part of some of the great legends here … Never taken a day for granted and always loved it.”

Even after everything, Marner still recognizes the highs and lows he’s experienced with the NHL team. Whenever he stepped onto the ice, he was all in, and he still looks up to it. So, now that he’s a UFA, we just have to wait and see if he sticks around with the Maple Leafs or finds a new place in the NHL.