Apr 5, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch Marner (16) skates during the warmup before game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Mitch Marner's performance in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs could ultimately define his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs. If the Toronto Maple Leafs are to have any success during their 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, their top stars are going to have to perform and Mitch Marner is certainly no exception.
Two days before the Maple Leafs open up their first-round series against the Ottawa Senators, general manager Brad Treliving was asked about Marner's season in which he established a new career high with 102 points and how that might help him excel in the playoffs.
"His points are certainly deserving of the press. There was a stretch where we had a lot of guys out. It was November, maybe, December. And Mitch really held the fort for us," Treliving recalled. " I just remember the Edmonton game stands out, the overtime winner, but there was a stretch there where he really kept things on the rails for us. And to me, that's sort of a microcosm of his year. He's been a leader. He's been a top player. And I think he's in a real good spot."
Marner's future has been the subject of discussion for over a year, as the star player will become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Despite achieving a career-high in points, he has been scrutinized by fans and media for his perceived lack of impact in past playoff performances, especially considering his near $11 million annual salary.
The simmering tension surrounding Marner's contract situation boiled over publicly in the days surrounding the NHL Trade Deadline. Reports surfaced, revealing that the Maple Leafs management had approached Marner about potentially waiving his full No-Movement Clause (NMC). This request was linked to trade discussions with the Carolina Hurricanes, who had recently acquired star winger Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche.
Marner confirmed those reports on March 8 following a game against the Colorado Avalanche "I had a feeling that maybe something might happen but I'm here to play hockey with this team. I'm focused on this team. That's what I can tell you.
Rantanen was ultimately traded by Carolina to the Dallas Stars just hours before the deadline. Despite all of the distractions, Marner has had one of his best seasons yet. But how he performs in the 2025 playoffs and how far the team goes may be the ultimate driver of Marner's future in Toronto.
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