Maple Leafs Decide Their Plan for Mitch Marner as Free Agency Quickly Approaches

This season has been highly impressive for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and once again the team head into the Stanley Cup Playoffs expecting to make plenty of noise, despite their recent failures in the post-season.

However, the future of Mitch Marner appears to be looming overhead, with the team uncertain of his future as Lyle Richardson has reported the team will likely bring him back unless his asking price becomes ridiculously high, with some speculating it could go above the $14 million mark.

At this point in time, it's hard to imagine Marner playing anywhere but his hometown Maple Leafs, and given the success he's had this season in a contract year, it makes sense for the team to bring him back.

In 74 games played thus far, Marner is leading the team in scoring with 24 goals and 93 points on the season, and with his two-way game continuing to improve, there's few players that fit this team better than No. 16.

However, the one aspect that will need to be taken into consideration is his post-season performances, and while he's not been terrible in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, many believe he will need to dominate in the post-season this year to justify remaining in Toronto, as the team may look to break up the core and change things up.

Whatever ends up happening with Marner will likely dictate how the off-season goes in the NHL, and while many are expecting him to return to the Maple Leafs, if his ask does get too high, don't be shocked to see a team with cap space like Carolina, Chicago or Calgary get involved to outbid them.