Mitch Marner Shoots Down Leafs' Efforts to Make Amends and Negotiate a New Deal

Yesterday, reporter Andy Strickland revealed that Mitch Marner would not be returning to the Leafs next season.

Given the lack of reported negotiations with the Leafs and the number of teams willing to make him the highest paid player, it comes as no surprise.

Despite multiple attempts by the Leafs to sign Marner during the season, and again since they were eliminated from the playoffs, it is clear that Marner's ego, took a hit when he was asked to waive his no-trade clause, and his inability to deal with the pressure of Toronto has ended his tenure with the Maple Leafs and tarnished what could have been a spectacular legacy.

On Sunday's '32 Thoughts', Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Leafs have attempted to contact Marner about making amends and extending the relationship. Marner reportedly has zero interest in talking.

At the very least, the Maple Leafs and GM Brad Treliving have gotten the clarity they were hoping for ahead of July 1st so they can focus their efforts on getting an extension done for pending RFA Matthew Knies before he is eligible for offer-sheets, and scouring the market for potential pieces to replace Marner.

An excellent regular season player for the Leafs, his playoff performances left much to be desired, and at this point, Leafs fans are looking forward to saying goodbye to the former London Knights star.