The highest-profile player among those, Mitch Marner, has not said much about his future, but speculation around his next contract continues to build. Former NHL defenseman and analyst Carlo Colaiacovo added fuel to that discussion this week by stating Marner could become the league’s highest-paid player, though it may require leaving Toronto.

Tavares, like Marner, grew up in the Toronto area dreaming of being a Maple Leaf. When he left the New York Islanders to sign a seven-year, $77 million contract ($11 million average annual value) on July 1, 2018, he publicly announced his decision by posting a childhood photo on social media of sleeping under Maple Leafs covers.

Anthony Stolarz confirmed he suffered a concussion during Game 1 against the Florida Panthers. Yet it certainly felt like he was trending toward returning to a starter role had the Leafs advanced to the Eastern Conference Final. Stolarz backed up Joseph Woll in Game 7 against the Panthers.