The Toronto Maple Leafs' season-ending media availability occurred on Tuesday, with the focus on several players facing uncertain futures. Leafs coach Craig Berube made his case [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-craig-berube-would-100-percent-like-to-retain-pending-unrestricted-free-agents-mitch-marner-john-tavares] for retaining pending UFAs (and “Core Four” members) John Tavares and Mitch Marner. Tavares remains optimistic about returning after having “good conversations” with Berube and GM Brad Treliving. As for Marner, he intends to take some time with his family to determine his next steps. TSN's Chris Johnston believes [https://www.tsn.ca/video/johnston-marner-wants-to-go-to-july-1-and-look-at-what-s-on-the-open-market-for-him%7E3137015] Marner intends to test the UFA market on July 1. He would become the most high-profile star available, drawing plenty of suitors. The Hockey News’ Siobhan Nolan [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/could-mitch-marner-be-the-flyers-big-swing-this-summer] and Philly Hockey Now’s William James suggest [https://phillyhockeynow.com/2025/05/19/could-the-flyers-make-sense-for-mitch-marner/] Marner would help the Flyers accelerate their rebuild. Meanwhile, Ethan Sears of the New York Post thinks the Islanders should consider [https://nypost.com/2025/05/19/sports/islanders-have-window-for-a-double-dose-of-maple-leafs-revenge/] signing Marner if they can free up the cap space. Quentin Carney said the Utah Mammoth [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/utah/latest-news/should-the-utah-mammoth-be-aggressive-in-pursuing-mitch-marner] could be appealing for being a squad on the rise that’s outside of the Toronto spotlight, but he said the team shouldn’t just sign Marner if it isn’t sure about his fit on the roster and in the salary cap picture. Matthew Knies quelled speculation [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/it-s-the-best-chance-for-me-to-win-matthew-knies-addresses-short-term-future-with-maple-leafs] whether he'd sign an offer sheet. The 22-year-old winger is coming off his entry-level contract, making him an RFA without arbitration rights on July 1. He indicated he loves living and playing in Toronto, adding he believes he has a chance to win with the Leafs. Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/e7d94140-7068-4620-8b1c-68a79f86ab12.jpeg] Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images) Before Tuesday's media availability on 'garbage bag day,' some pundits speculated how the Leafs might replace Marner if he departs on July 1. The Hockey News’ Michael Traikos proposed that whatever the Leafs would've paid Marner should be put toward signing Sam Bennett [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/whatever-the-maple-leafs-were-going-to-pay-mitch-marner-give-it-all-to-sam-bennett]. Like Marner, the versatile Florida Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers] forward is UFA-eligible on July 1. However, Sportsnet's Justin Bourne believes the Leafs should avoid signing Bennett [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/the-maple-leafs-are-ready-for-change-but-what-does-that-really-mean/]. He pointed out that Bennett turns 29 next month and could seek a seven-year contract, one the Leafs could regret as his physical style of play wears him down over time. Bourne felt Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets] might be a better option because he could replace some of Marner's offense. Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star suggested [https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/marner-tavares-knies-shanahan-the-maple-leafs-have-tough-calls-to-make/article_440f01f1-1a2c-43e8-9d77-3d7eacc83ca0.html] Ehlers or Vancouver Canucks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks] right winger Brock Boeser as possible replacements for Marner. He also proposed waiting a year and using the savings to pursue Connor McDavid if the Edmonton Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers] captain becomes a free agent, but it's doubtful he'll be available. Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin noted defenseman Morgan Rielly's declining performance [https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/whats-the-biggest-priority-for-the-maple-leafs-this-summer] this season. He thinks the Leafs' priority should be adding a puck-moving blueliner. McGran noted that the 31-year-old Rielly has a no-movement clause. He proposed a buyout, [https://puckpedia.com/player/morgan-rielly/buyout?s=2025-2026] but it would count against the Leafs' cap space for 10 years. Even with their deep pockets, the Leafs won't want to carry that dead cap space for a decade. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
