Toronto Maple Leafs Ownership All But Confirms Mitch Marner's Fate in Toronto

Mitch Marner has the right to become a free agent on July 1st, and there are a lot of pundits out there who believe he will hit the open market.

Of course, Leafs fans want him to stick around for the long haul. However, given recent events, it seems more likely than not that Marner will leave as soon as he gets the chance.

Yesterday, MLSE CEO Keith Pelley spoke to the media and it was here that he was asked about Marner's future and whether or not he would be coming back.

Unfortunately, Pelley's answer is one that will upset a lot of Leafs fans. It's the type of uncertainty that has plagued Marner's situation for months now.

Based on this response, it would appear as though Pelley is resigning himself to the idea that the superstar forward is going to walk. There was very little confidence shown here. If anything, Marner's fate has been sealed.

There are numerous teams that would love to sign a guy like Marner, even if it costs them $13.5 million per season.

The Chicago Blackhawks, Utah Mammoth, and the Las Vegas Golden Knights appear to be the three teams that have the best chance of signing the winger.

While the Leafs could also offer Marner that much money, it all comes down to comfort and whether or not Toronto is a healthy place for Mitch to be these days.

Given everything that has happened over this past decade, it would appear as though both sides could use a fresh start.