The future of Toronto Maple Leafs forwards Mitch Marner and John Tavares is now a key question after the team`s recent playoff exit.
With both players set to become unrestricted free agents on July 1st, Marner and Tavares were asked about their plans following the team`s decisive 6-1 defeat against the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of their second-round series on Sunday.
When directly questioned about his desire to return, Tavares provided a simple, one-word response: “Yes.”
Tavares, whose seven-year contract signed with his hometown team in 2018 is expiring this summer, emphasized the significance of playing for the Maple Leafs. “It`s meant everything to me,” he stated. “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.” He also acknowledged the team`s shortcomings: “Just accept responsibility, we haven`t been able to come through and play well enough to get to where we want to get to.”
Marner, whose own six-year deal with the team concludes this summer, was more hesitant regarding his future in Toronto when prompted, not indicating a clear direction either way.
