On the eve of his ninth consecutive spring competing in the playoffs, Marner took time out from his postseason preparations for a 1-on-1 discussion with NHL.com, ranging from the Battle of Ontario, to the noise swirling around his contract status, to the confidence he gained from being one of Canada’s top performers at the 4 Nations in February:

NHL insider Bob McKenzie of TSN doesn't think Mitch Marner will re-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs this offseason.

With Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner set to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1, speculation over his long-term future in Toronto is starting to heat up. The 27-year-old winger just completed a career-best regular season and now faces the playoffs with the possibility of it being his final stretch in a Maple Leafs uniform.