Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner Crosses Six Off the List of Teams He's Willing to Sign With

NHL analysts seem convinced that pending free agent Mitch Marner won't be returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs, with potential frontrunners already emerging for his services.

Now, it would appear as though Marner himself has reportedly made a major decision on his future by crossing several potential suitors off his list -- at least according to one NHL executive.

Over a week ago, Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff wrote an article about the Calgary Flames' plans over the summer, saying that he expected the Flames to go big-game hunting, with Marner on their radar.

In his latest update, Di Marco amended his statement to add that the Flames are out on Marner. The reported reason is that he's not willing to sign with any teams in Canada if he can't reach an agreement with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The decision does make sense from Marner's point of view. The native of Markham, Ontario has been living the dream of playing for the team he grew up idolizing ever since he started his NHL career. If Marner can't, or won't return to Toronto, it sounds like he's looking for as fresh of a start as possible, likely in a much quieter market.

The lingering discussion over the pressure that comes with playing in Toronto has been a hot button issue. It may not be as high in other Canadian NHL markets, but it is still there. A move to a U.S. team like the Utah Mammoth, or the Vegas Golden Knights, among others, would likely feel like a vacation compared to the pressure cooker that comes with playing for the Maple Leafs.

MSLE CEO Keith Pelley publicly addressed the situation with Marner during a recent news conference, but did not commit to re-signing the 28-year-old.