Toronto sports fans were hit with major news to start the week — and it wasn’t just about baseball. While the Toronto Blue Jays locked in their superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a jaw-dropping 14-year, $500-million deal, attention quickly shifted to another Toronto star whose future remains unclear: Toronto Maple Leafs right winger Mitch Marner. With one Toronto icon committing long-term, the spotlight now shines brighter on the Leafs’ next big contract decision.
Blue Jays Set the Standard with Guerrero Jr.’s Mega Deal
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s massive contract extension has brought relief to Blue Jays fans who feared the star first baseman might leave through free agency next year. Securing such a long-term deal not only ensures stability for the team but also shows how serious Toronto is about building around its core talent. The deal is also a clear signal to other teams in the league — the Blue Jays are in win-now mode, and they’re not holding back.
Focus Shifts to Mitch Marner and the Maple Leafs
With the Blue Jays taking care of business, all eyes now turn to the Toronto Maple Leafs and their own contract situation with Mitch Marner. The 26-year-old star forward is entering the final year of his contract and could become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) this summer. Unlike Guerrero Jr., Marner hasn’t given fans any solid clues about his future.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Marner played it safe — focusing on the current season, avoiding long-term talk, and repeating the usual lines about “just wanting to win.” While it may sound vague to some, it’s a smart move from a business point of view. Speaking too openly about wanting to stay could weaken his negotiating power.
Why Marner’s Future in Toronto Remains Unclear
Although some fans are beginning to doubt Marner’s commitment to Toronto, there’s still a good chance he stays. His camp, led by agent Darren Ferris, knows that keeping options open gives them leverage — especially with the NHL salary cap expected to rise in the near future.
But one thing is clear: there will be no “hometown discount.” If Marner was willing to accept less, a new deal would’ve already been signed. Instead, Ferris is likely aiming for a deal that could bring in $13 million or more per season — putting Marner in the same salary range as team captain Auston Matthews, who makes $13.25 million annually.
The Maple Leafs might have an internal rule not to pay anyone more than Matthews. If that’s true, Marner will have to choose — accept a deal close to that number, or test the market and potentially move to another team where he might earn even more.
The Pressure of Playing in Toronto
Playing in a hockey-mad city like Toronto isn’t for everyone. Former Leafs like Ryan O’Reilly chose to leave partly because of the intense media coverage and pressure. But others, including Matthews and William Nylander, have managed to thrive under the spotlight.
Marner, a Toronto native, has often expressed love for his hometown. But even he may be starting to feel the weight of constant media attention and fan expectations. A quieter market could offer just as much money, less stress, and more privacy.
What Happens Next?
For now, Marner is focused on the Leafs’ playoff run. And that’s the right move — both for the team and for his own contract talks. If Toronto goes deep in the Stanley Cup playoffs or even wins it all, it could sway the front office to give him everything he wants to stay.
However, fans shouldn’t expect any big updates until the off-season. Marner and his team are treating this like the business deal it is — and that means no early promises or emotional decisions.
As Vladimir Guerrero Jr. commits to Toronto for the long haul, the city’s hockey fans are left wondering if Mitch Marner will do the same. While nothing is certain yet, it’s clear that Marner and his agent are playing it smart, waiting for the right moment to decide his future. Whether he stays or goes, his next contract will be one of the biggest stories of the summer in the NHL — and in Toronto sports.
