Veteran NHL insider Bob McKenzie believes Mitch Marner will explore free agency before deciding on his next contract, a scenario that could spell trouble for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

When his Canada teammates needed it the most, Mitch Marner set up the tournament-winning goal at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, finding Connor McDavid for the winner. That goal sent Canada into a frenzy, helping the nation win the first hockey best-on-best tournament since 2016.

Even if Marner asks for a similar percentage of the expected 2025-26 cap ($95.5 million), he'd overtake Nylander ($11.5 million AAV) in the Maple Leafs' salary table with an AAV of $12.75 million, trailing only Matthews' $13.25 million per season.

Mitch Marner has returned to Toronto and is ready to use his 4 Nations Face-Off experience as a positive moving forward throughout this Maple Leafs’ season.

Marner secured a huge 4 Nations victory for Canada on Wednesday, reinforcing his standing in the larger hockey universe.

Mitch Marner hadn't celebrated a winning hockey moment for quite some time. The 27-year-old returned to Toronto on Friday, a day after assisting on Team Canada's winning goal in overtime from Connor McDavid.

I can only imagine just how cathartic the victory for Canada at the Four Nations Face-Off must have been for Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner. After years of failing to find success in the biggest and most important games,

My, how time has changed things. Not too long ago, Toronto Maple Leafs fans were united in a few common thoughts. First, Kyle Dubas should be relieved of his duties as general manager.