Following the team’s first game after the deadline, a 7-4 defeat at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche, Marner was asked directly about being a Maple Leafs player next season.

Amid all the rumors and speculation, twists and turns involving Toronto Maple Leafs forward, there is still a scenario in which nothing changes, and he stays put in Toronto. For that to happen, however,

Nearly two years ago, the Leafs lost leverage in the Mitch Marner contract situation and set the stage for Mikko Rantanen deadline talks.