Will Mitch Marner leave the Leafs this summer or stay loyal to Toronto Maple Leafs?

A big update has come from NHL insider Chris Johnston about Mitch Marner, the star forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs. This news was shared on The Chris Johnston Show recently and gives fans a better idea of what could happen with Marner when NHL free agency begins on July 1st, 2025.

Marner’s future with the Leafs is still not confirmed, but there’s now a clearer picture of what might happen next.

Mitch Marner might leave, but Toronto Maple Leafs still in the mix

Hockey journalist Chris Johnston stated during an episode of The Chris Johnston Show on June 5, 2025, that Mitch Marner is expected to "test the open market." Marner will probably listen to offers from other NHL teams once free agency formally begins on July 1st, 2025.

However, Johnston also mentioned that the Toronto Maple Leafs will still be one of the teams Marner will seriously consider.

Johnston said, “The Leafs will be in the mix. He has strong ties to the city and the team. It’s not a sure exit.”Mitch Marner has played his entire NHL career with the Leafs since being drafted in 2015. His current contract has a no-movement clause, which means he controls where he plays. This clause will stay in effect until the end of his deal on July 1st.Also Read: Insider Reveals Carolina Hurricanes And Chicago Blackhawks Preparing Massive Offers For Mitch Marner

Mitch Marner trade talks expected to begin as July 1st nears

As free agency gets closer, teams across the NHL are preparing to reach out to Marner.

According to Johnston, talks between the Leafs and Marner’s camp will continue before July, but no quick deal is expected. The Leafs’ general manager, Brad Treliving, is expected to be part of those talks.Marner’s agent has not made any public statements yet, but sources close to the situation told Sportsnet that the 27-year-old is “open to exploring options,” especially with playoff success still missing in Toronto.Johnston added, “He wants to win. That’s the biggest thing right now. If he believes it can happen in Toronto, there’s still a chance he stays.”The final decision could come close to or on July 1st, when NHL teams are allowed to make formal offers.