What lies ahead for Mitch Marner and John Tavares?
After the Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated from the playoffs following a decisive 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of their second-round series on Sunday, the team`s key forwards, Mitch Marner and John Tavares, were asked about their future plans. Both players are set to become unrestricted free agents when their current contracts expire on July 1.
When questioned specifically about whether he wanted to remain with the team, Tavares provided a straightforward, single-word reply: `Yes.`
Tavares, who signed a seven-year deal with his hometown franchise in 2018 that concludes this summer, spoke passionately about his time in Toronto. “It`s meant everything to me,” he said. He reflected on his initial decision, adding, “It was a big decision I made seven years ago, and I`ve loved it. It`s been amazing for myself and for my family.” Tavares also acknowledged the team`s failure to achieve their ultimate goal, stating, “Just accept responsibility, we haven`t been able to come through and play well enough to get to where we want to get to.”
In contrast, Marner, whose own six-year agreement also ends this summer, did not commit either way when asked about his future with the Leafs.