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.

The Leafs held a 2-0 series leads after convincing wins in Games 1 and 2, but the Panthers dominated four of the final five matchups to advance to their third straight Western Conference Final. Marner logged just one goal and five points,

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews unveiled the nature of the injury that bugged him all year long, but says he will be ready for next year.