Clearly, reporters have been given the idea that there's simply no chance of Marner staying. He also used a heck of a lot of past tense when the season ended, suggesting he knew Toronto wasn't a part of his future.

Mitch Marner is expected to test free agency on July 1, as Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving signals a possible end of his tenure in Toronto.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, as a follow-up to fellow Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos' idea, the Stars could prioritize a move for Mitch Marner over re-signing Jason Robertson. That path may open the door for a rare sign-and-trade deal with the Maple Leafs, with the franchises swapping players.