NHL analyst JD Bunkis believes the star winger is likely to leave in free agency, given everything that has percolated from the Maple Leafs environment during the past few weeks and months. Bunkis appeared on Sportsnet's "Leafs Talk" show on Sunday and said that, in his eyes, the situation is "leaning" toward a Marner exit from Toronto next summer.

Nearly two years ago, the Leafs lost leverage in the Mitch Marner contract situation and set the stage for Mikko Rantanen deadline talks.