Mitch Marner's public appearance implies desire to stay with the Maple Leafs

Marner, who married his long-time sweetheart Stephanie LaChance last summer, was in Thunder Bay to support his brother-in-law, Greg LaChance, playing for the Thunder Bay Border Cats in a Northwoods League baseball game. The league has produced over 350 MLB players.

For Marner, the summer is a time to unwind and try to escape the sting of another first-round exit. While a trip to Thunder Bay differs from his usual vacation spots, any escape is a good one amid the ongoing discussions about his future with the Leafs.

Marner had the honor of throwing out the first pitch, and instead of tossing the ball to the catcher, he threw it to his brother-in-law, LaChance, behind home plate. The Maple Leafs star was thrilled to see so many Maple Leafs hats in Northwestern Ontario and expressed his gratitude to the fans for their continued support.

For Marner, this is a nice reset before the pressure of negotiating a new contract kicks in on July 1st. With the draft preparations and the free agent market frenzy looming, Marner's comments about the fans across the country suggest he's not looking for an exit strategy this summer. It's likely that Marner remains a Maple Leaf, at least to begin the season.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Marner's comments during public appearance give clarity on his future