The Maple Leafs made long-term commitments to Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Is it enough to remake the look and feel of Toronto's defense? Amidst the August long weekend, Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner has been soaking up the sun, as seen on his wife Stephanie’s, latest Instagram story [https://www.instagram.com/stephhmarner/]. Marner looks to have taken advantage of the warm weather, hitting the water on his Sea-Doo with his loyal chocolate lab, Zeus, by his side. In the photo, the duo posed for the camera on the green and black watercraft. Zeus, sitting in front of Marner, looks perfectly content. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA4MzgyMjMxMTI5ODkyMjkz/image0.jpg] While it’s unclear exactly where the 27-year-old is enjoying his time off, the setting suggests a picturesque spot in cottage country. The post comes on the heels of a milestone celebration for the Marner family. The couple recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary since they tied the knot at Peller Estates in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 2023. The event was a notable affair, with many present and former teammates attending. Marner is entering the final year of a six-year, $65.41 million contract with the Leafs and has been the topic of discussion this offseason. Rumors and speculation led the charge at the start of the summer, but cooler heads have since prevailed, signaling a return to Toronto for the forward amidst the uncertainty. After yet another early playoff departure, the idea to shake up the ‘Core Four’ was brought to light again – with Marner being atop the trading block. However, it was easier said than done. With many hoops to jump through, including the forward’s no-movement clause for the 2024-25 season, it became difficult to find a trade partner and a feasible deal. With that said, it seems that the club is indeed “running it back” for one more year. Besides, under a new head coach, Craig Berube, the organization seems willing to give it a try with a new system in place. Berube said, “He's a character guy, a great person. I'm looking forward to coaching him." Marner had 26 goals and 59 assists in 69 regular season games this past season before adding a goal and two assists in seven games against the Boston Bruins in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTk1MTUxMDE2NDM2ODQ0/cf1808c0-6a82-4298-9049-3eb2eae105b0.jpg] Related Maple Leafs’ Max Domi Hits the Links with ‘The Nelk Boys’ Kyle Forgeard in Latest Instagram Story [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-max-domi-hits-the-links-with-the-nelk-boys-kyle-forgeard-in-latest-instagram-story] Chris Tanev Revealed That a 'Departure Tax' When Leaving Canada Was a Consideration Before Ultimately Signing With Maple Leafs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/chris-tanev-revealed-that-a-departure-tax-when-leaving-canada-was-a-consideration-before-ultimately-signing-with-maple-leafs] ‘Locked In’: Maple Leafs’ Max Domi Posts Inspiring Hype-Up Video Ahead of His Second Season in Toronto [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/locked-in-maple-leafs-max-domi-posts-inspiring-hype-up-video-ahead-of-his-second-season-in-toronto] News from THN.com NHL Free Agency: A Handful of Needle-Moving RFAs Are Still Waiting [https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-free-agency-a-handful-of-needle-moving-rfas-are-still-waiting] Can Canada's Coaching Powerhouse Solve the Goaltending Question for 4 Nations Face-Off? [https://thehockeynews.com/news/can-canadas-coaching-powerhouse-solve-the-goaltending-question-for-4-nations-face-off] NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest On the Carolina Hurricanes and Winnipeg Jets [https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-rumor-roundup-latest-on-the-carolina-hurricanes-and-winnipeg-jets]
