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.

Marner seemed OK with all of that in the early days of his Leafs career. He earned rave reviews from the Boston Bruins after his second playoff series in 2018, when he shined with nine points in a seven-game loss. He piled up 94 points, the most by a Leaf in more than 20 years, as a 21-year-old a season later.

Marner was already linked to Carolina back in March when rumors of Rantanen being on the move came to light. It was reported that Marner decided not to waive his no movement club for the trade to possibly happen. With the door wide open, the Hurricanes could look to revisit this option.