Mitch Marner's Comments at Leafs' Season-Ending Presser Indicate that He's as Good as Gone

With the Maple Leafs' season coming to an abrupt and unfortunate end following a disappointing, reprehensible effort in Game 7 against Florida, it's already a foregone conclusion that there will be changes in Toronto this summer.

One of those changes may very well be the departure of star winger Mitch Marner, who like former captain John Tavares, is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) on July 1st.

Marner was one of the Leafs' players who spoke with the media on Tuesday during locker clear-out day, and when asked about whether or not he expect to be back with the Leafs next season, Marner spoke in the past-tense, avoiding a clear response about his future and what he wants.

If that isn't a good sign that he wants out, his follow-up comments about what the future holds may be a clearer indicator that he plans to pursue a fresh start elsewhere. Among the key comments was a big conversation that he has planned with his wife, following the birth of their first child.

Craig Berube was very clear on Tuesday during his portion of the presser that he would like to have both Marner and Tavares back next season.

While Tavares was very clear in his desire to return to Toronto next season, Marner was far less certain about what he wants, which makes things seem like he's more likely to depart than he is to return. Still, with approximately 6 weeks remaining until free agent frenzy, there's plenty of time for things to change.