Tavares, like Marner, grew up in the Toronto area dreaming of being a Maple Leaf. When he left the New York Islanders to sign a seven-year, $77 million contract ($11 million average annual value) on July 1, 2018, he publicly announced his decision by posting a childhood photo on social media of sleeping under Maple Leafs covers.

All signs are pointing to Mitch Marner leaving Toronto in free agency. Why it's the best thing for all involved.

Captain Auston Matthews spoke with reporters on Tuesday, two days removed from the Toronto Maple Leafs' season-ending loss in Game 7 against the Florida Panthers.