Overview

• Marner, criticized for his playoff performance, hopes to negotiate a contract extension with the Leafs.
• Toronto's repeated first-round exits fuel debates over the team's strategy and roster management.
• Marner's comments about being seen as 'gods' by fans draw backlash amid team's struggles.
• The Leafs' high salary cap investment in core players yet again fails to yield deep playoff success.
• Upcoming management decisions could reshape the team's roster and Marner's future in Toronto.