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.

One day before Tavares signed his four-year, $17.55 million contract, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving revealed the news that the hockey world already knew: Marner was exercising his right to test free agency on July 1.

"I'd probably describe it, unless there's a significant change here," Treliving said, "I would anticipate that he's going to hit the market, and we'll see where things go."

This saga began last July 1, when Marner decided to play out the final year of his six-year, $65.41 million contract instead of signing an extension. The 28-year-old entered training camp and immediately drew the line, stating he's not answering many questions about his contract status.

Marner had a career year, scoring over 100 points, 102 to be exact, for the first time. As the season moved forward, questions about the forward's contract status only grew. Marner even reportedly used his no-move clause to block a trade that would've seen him become a Carolina Hurricane.

John Tavares Explains Why He 'Left Money' On The Table To Remain With Maple Leafs John Tavares <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/john-tavares-takes-pay-cut-in-4-year-extension-with-hometown-maple-leafs-worth-4-38m-per-season">took less money to remain</a> with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The forward finished the playoffs with two goals and 11 assists for 13 points in as many games, against the Ottawa Senators and Panthers in two rounds.

In what's likely his final media availability as a Maple Leaf, Marner didn't confirm or deny he'd be hitting the open market. He really didn't say much, other than looking back on his time in Toronto, the city that drafted him fourth overall in 2015.

Asked on Friday in his signing media availability about Marner, Tavares discussed the relationship they've built, also mentioning what's likely to come.

"I think the world of Mitchie, first and foremost, as a person. It's a great friendship that's developed. We've also had a great chemistry from the times that we played together throughout our time here playing. If he does end up leaving, it's a very difficult player and person to replace, and what he brings to the team on and off the ice," the 34-year-old said.

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Will 'Not Operate In Fear' Of Offer Sheet Possibility To RFA Matthew Knies Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving anticipated the question and preemptively addressed whether he was concerned about restricted free agent Matthew Knies signing an offer sheet.

"So it's obviously going to be up to Tre and the club to find their way and how they go about that. It's obviously unique in that, it's difficult when you possibly could lose a player like Mitchie and what he brings, but you've got to move forward if that's what happens. What available is to the club, is dollars that wouldn't have been allocated there if Mitchy does stay."

Tavares continued, saying he's holding out hope that Marner makes a last-minute decision to stay, while also acknowledging that the scenario is pretty unlikely.

"Whatever happens, you never know. You always kind of hold out hope that a person and a player like Mitchie ends up staying and it works out," said Tavares.

"But you're also realistic of the situation and where things are at and what potentially could happen, so if he does move on, wish him the best, but you always hold outside hope that it works out."

'We Have A Bit Of A Sense Of Where They're At': Will The Maple Leafs Re-Sign Max Pacioretty And Steven Lorentz? When the Toronto Maple Leafs figure out their larger situations, including pending unrestricted free agent John Tavares and restricted free agent Matthew Knies, they can move on to their other priorities.

According to reports, the Vegas Golden Knights are the frontrunners to land Marner once free agency opens up.

(Top photo of Tavares and Marner: Nick Turchiaro / Imagn Images)