The Toronto Maple Leafs have reached a pivotal moment as the future of Mitch Marner takes center stage in the hockey world. In a move that has been anticipated for months, general manager Brad Treliving has officially confirmed that Marner will test free agency, opening the door for one of the league’s most talented wingers to potentially leave Toronto.

As speculation swirls and rumors intensify, the hockey community is left wondering where Marner will land next and what the Maple Leafs will do to fill the looming void. With the possibility of a sign-and-trade still on the table and several Western Conference teams reportedly interested, Marner’s next steps could reshape the NHL landscape. As the free agency period approaches, all eyes are on Toronto and their star forward, with fans and analysts eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this high-stakes offseason drama.

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Brad Treliving officially reveals the future of Mitch Marner as a Toronto Maple Leaf heading into free agency.

Treliving has announced publicly for the first time at that star winger Mitch Marner is headed to free agency, confirming what has been reported for months that Marner was expected to exit Toronto and sign elsewhere.

Treliving stated that pending any sort of miraculous breakthrough in negotiations, Marner will find himself available as a free agent.

Treliving did not say that Marner would not be back with the Leafs in any capacity, but that he would be headed to the open market on July 1st, setting himself up to any offers from all 31 other NHL teams, although a return to Toronto isn’t impossible.

Marner, 28, had 27 goals and a career-high 75 assists and 102 points in 81 games played in 2024-25 for Toronto, but had just two goals and 13 points in 13 playoff games as the Leafs were eliminated by the Stanley Cup champions Florida.

The moves comes as John Tavares and Matthew Knies are reportedly progressing on new deals to keep them in Toronto.

Meanwhile, the Leafs are looking at potential Replacements for Marner, including Panthers forward Brad Marchand among those linked to Toronto.

Brad Treliving Signals Possibility Of Sign And Trade For Marner’s Rights

Although it appears the Leafs may move on from Mitch Marner, they may still be able to get something out of him as Brad Treliving reveals the potential of a trade.

Treliving was asked about the potential of a sign-and-trade for Marner’s rights and potentially get something from moving his UFA rights to a team looking to sign him.

Marner is favored to head to the Western Conference, with the Vegas Golden Knights as a frontrunner, along with the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, & Chicago Blackhawks.

One of those teams potentially could be a suitor for Marner if they want to get him before he heads to free agency, signing with Toronto and then instantly moved out for a hefty return.

Vegas doesn’t have a first round pick until 2027, but does have a top prospect in former first rounder Trevor Connelly as a potential bargaining chip, with the Knights a team that has moved out their first round picks regularly.

Brad Treliving confirms what may be the end of Mitch Marner, but didn’t rule out what could be still the slim chance they re-unite again with a new contract.