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.

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube made it clear that he would like to see Mitch Marner back next season.

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.