Although John Tavares might be holding onto a glimmer of hope that Mitch Marner returns to the Toronto Maple Leafs, he's being realistic about the situation.

The Maple Leafs are seen as a frontrunner to sign Brock Boeser after his $20 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks came to an end.

TORONTO — Brad Treliving confirmed the anticipated on Thursday morning, stating that he expects Toronto Maple Leafs star and pending unrestricted free agent Mitch Marner to test free agency. “Unless there’s a significant change here, I would anticipate that he’s going to hit the market,” the Leafs GM said in a media availability.