John Tavares Keeps 'Realistic' Mindset on Mitch Marner-Maple Leafs Situation originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Now that the Toronto Maple Leafs have locked John Tavares in for another four years, all eyes have shifted to fellow forward Mitch Marner, who is set to hit the free-agent market on July 1.

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.

All signs point to Marner leaving in free agency, and Toronto will have a big hole in the lineup as they look to replace him. Yet, NHL analyst Chris Bengel of CBS Sports predicts the Maple Leafs will sign Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks in free agency to help replace Marner.