The Leafs drafted Marner with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2014 NHL draft. If Marner, who scored a career-high 102 points this season, doesn't return to Toronto and leaves in free agency, he'd do so having racked up 741 points in 657 regular-season games with Toronto, along with 63 points in 70 playoff matches.

All signs are pointing to Mitch Marner leaving Toronto in free agency. Why it's the best thing for all involved.

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.