With both Toronto Maple Leafs forwards eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, Marner and Tavares were asked about their future plans on Sunday following the team’s 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of a second-round series.
When asked if he wanted to come back, Tavares needed only one word: “Yes.”
“It’s meant everything to me,” said Tavares, whose seven-year deal signed with his hometown team in 2018 expires this summer. “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. 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, meanwhile, did not lean one way or the other when asked about his future with the Leafs. His six-year deal expires this summer.
“I don’t have any thoughts right now. Pretty devastated with what just happened. I’ve always enjoyed this team and this city, like I’ve always said,” he said.
Marner was picked fourth overall by the Leafs in 2015.
“It’s meant everything. They took maybe a risky pick on a small kid from Toronto. I’ve been forever grateful to be able to wear this Maple Leaf and be a part of some of the great legends here … Never taken a day for granted and always loved it,” he said.
The Leafs’ ‘Core Four’ of Marner, Tavares, Auston Matthews and William Nylander has faced intense criticism for the team’s inability to make a deep playoff run.
Drastic changes to the roster would not be surprising after the latest setback.
Other notable expiring contracts for the Maple Leafs this summer include UFAs Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz, while Matthew Knies, Nick Robertson and Pontus Holmberg will be RFAs.
