The highest-profile player among those, Mitch Marner, has not said much about his future, but speculation around his next contract continues to build. Former NHL defenseman and analyst Carlo Colaiacovo added fuel to that discussion this week by stating Marner could become the league’s highest-paid player, though it may require leaving Toronto.

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.

The Toronto Maple Leafs head into the offseason in a world of disappointment. General Manager Brad Treliving appears destined to make changes to the roster, and this summer, they could be significant.