Marner was asked by TSN about how the star has been able to perform well without having a contract for next season.

Mitch Marner doesn’t appear fazed by the fact that he doesn’t have an NHL contract beyond this season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs star is on track for his most productive season to date. Entering Friday's games, he had nine goals and 27 assists in 25 games, totaling 36 points—just five behind NHL leader Martin Necas in the Art Ross Trophy scoring race.

While some players might struggle under the pressure of performing in a contract year, Marner seems to be thriving. In a pre-game interview with TSN’s James Duthie before facing the Washington Capitals, Marner shared how he stays focused despite the buzz surrounding his contract.

"I honestly really just haven't thought of it," Marner said. "I'm a hockey player when I come to the rink, but other than that I’m a human being, and I’ve got great family and friends around me to keep my mind distracted, keep it loose and fun around me.”

Marner’s future with the Maple Leafs has been a hot topic since the team’s first-round exit in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins. He has been eligible to sign a new deal since July 1.

However, when training camp opened in September, Marner made it clear that he wouldn’t entertain contract discussions during the season.

"I just try to keep my mind off hockey when I’m at home. As soon as I come to the rink, you know, that’s when you dial it in and then, you know, realize the job you gotta do at hand and the work ethic and everything that comes with it," Marner added. "I don’t know. I’m just trying not to think about it—just trying to come do my job here and, like I said, just help this team win hockey games.”

If Marner maintains his current pace, he’s on track for a 118-point season. His career-high was 99 points in 80 games during the 2023-24 season. The year before, he likely would have surpassed 100 points in a full 82-game schedule but finished with 97 in just 72 games.