The Maple Leafs have given themselves no choice but to try and re-sign Mitch Marner

THE MAPLE LEAFS HAVE GIVEN THEMSELVES NO CHOICE BUT TO TRY AND RE-SIGN MITCH MARNER

As the Toronto Maple Leafs head into another pivotal offseason, the spotlight has once again turned to Mitch Marner. The 27-year-old winger has been one of the Leafs’ most dynamic and productive players since entering the league, and yet, his future with the franchise remains uncertain. With only one year left on his contract and unrestricted free agency looming in 2026, the Leafs have backed themselves into a corner. They now have no real choice but to try and re-sign Marner — not just because of what he brings on the ice, but because of what his potential departure could signal for the franchise’s trajectory.

A Core Commitment

When the Leafs committed massive contracts to Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner, they bet on a core they believed could finally end Toronto’s decades-long Stanley Cup drought. While postseason success has been hard to come by, these four have delivered consistently strong regular-season performances. Marner, in particular, has been a model of consistency, known for his elite vision, playmaking, and two-way game. He’s averaged nearly a point per game since his rookie season and has evolved into one of the NHL’s top two-way forwards.

Despite the criticism he sometimes faces, especially after playoff exits, Marner’s value is undeniable. He logs big minutes, kills penalties, and drives play at 5-on-5. In many ways, he is the engine of the Leafs’ transition game. To lose him without a replacement of equal caliber would not only hurt the Leafs on the ice but send a message that they’re willing to let their core fracture rather than finish what they started.

Limited Options

There’s been speculation about whether the Leafs should trade Marner this offseason before his no-move clause kicks in on July 1st. But the reality is far more complicated. Finding a team willing to give up a package that matches Marner’s value — while also being able to absorb his $10.9 million cap hit — is no easy task. Most contending teams are capped out, and non-contenders are unlikely to part with the assets Toronto would demand.

Moreover, general manager Brad Treliving has made it clear he doesn’t want to take a step back. After years of early exits, the mandate is clear: win now. Trading Marner for picks or prospects contradicts that. And trading him for another expensive star doesn’t guarantee better results, especially considering Marner’s chemistry with Matthews and his ability to adapt to multiple linemates.

In short, the Leafs have painted themselves into a financial and competitive corner. Letting Marner walk in 2026 for nothing would be a massive loss. Trading him this offseason is risky, likely unpopular, and difficult to execute cleanly. That leaves only one realistic option: try to extend him.

Culture and Loyalty

The Leafs also need to consider what it means for team culture if they let Marner go. He’s a hometown kid, a Toronto native who genuinely wants to win with the team he grew up idolizing. That’s a rarity in today’s NHL. While the business side of hockey can’t be ignored, teams still benefit from players who are emotionally invested in the organization.

Letting Marner leave could also impact the rest of the locker room. Matthews has already re-signed long-term. Nylander recently inked a new deal. If Marner — arguably as valuable as either — is shown the door, it sends mixed signals. How can a team preach loyalty and continuity if it’s not willing to follow through?

The Cost of Re-Signing

There’s no question that re-signing Marner will be expensive. He will likely command north of $11 million annually, possibly even challenging Matthews’ $13.25 million AAV. That will test Toronto’s salary cap flexibility, especially with other roster needs, including goaltending and defensive depth.

But what’s the alternative? The Leafs aren’t swimming in elite young talent ready to replace Marner. They’re not in a position to rebuild or retool around Matthews alone. If the Leafs are serious about contending, keeping Marner — and doing so on a long-term deal that secures his prime years — is a necessary gamble.

A New Chapter Under Treliving

Brad Treliving didn’t draft Mitch Marner, and he’s not married to the decisions of the previous regime. But the success or failure of the next few seasons will rest on how he handles players like Marner. If Treliving can navigate a contract extension that balances term and cap flexibility while signaling the franchise’s commitment to winning, he could solidify the Leafs as perennial contenders.

There’s also the PR aspect. The Leafs are one of the most scrutinized franchises in hockey. Losing Marner would be a public relations nightmare unless the return is overwhelmingly positive — which, again, is unlikely. Re-signing him keeps fans engaged and reaffirms that the organization believes in its core.

Conclusion

Mitch Marner is too valuable, too hard to replace, and too woven into the fabric of the Maple Leafs’ identity to let walk away or trade lightly. The Leafs have boxed themselves into a situation where extending Marner isn’t just the best option — it’s the only viable one. It will be expensive, complex, and no doubt controversial. But in a league driven by star power, letting one of the NHL’s best two-way wingers slip away would do far more damage than committing to him long-term. The Maple Leafs must act, and re-signing Mitch Marner should be their top priority this offseason.