5 Leafs players might be playing their last home game in Toronto

For much of the Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff run, they've been able to avoid one of the toughest parts about life in the NHL.

Winning six of their first 10 playoff games, the vibes have been mostly high in the Leafs' world for how things have shaken out thus far.

Despite allowing the Florida Panthers to tie their second-round series at two games apiece (and allowing the Ottawa Senators two wins after initially taking a 3-0 series lead), Toronto has been able to keep themselves in the hunt for the Stanley Cup as long as the franchise has seen since 2004.

But with a maximum of three games left in their series against Florida, we've suddenly hit a make-or-break point: it could be the last time some of the team's players ever suit up for the Leafs.

And on Wednesday night, for a crucial Game 5 that will put the winner one game away from clinching the series, it could actually be the last time some local fans get a chance to cheer on some of their biggest heroes if Toronto fails to win either of the next two games.

Should they win at least one, they'll either return to home ice for Game 7 on Sunday or whoever they end up facing in the Eastern Conference Finals.

With several key players slated to hit free agency this summer, here are five Leafs who could be suiting up for the last time ever at Scotiabank Arena.

Mitch Marner

Contract: US$10.9 million (UFA 2025)
2024-25 stats: 81 GP, 27 G, 75 A

The biggest and perhaps most impactful name on this list, Mitch Marner has been trying to delay this day as long as possible.

Stating several times through the media and his agent Darren Ferris that he plans to only negotiate in the offseason, the Leafs are balancing a tightrope act, allowing one of their key players to go into the summer unsigned.

Marner could, of course, always return to Toronto next season, but it's anyone's best guess as to where exactly he plays hockey this fall.

John Tavares

Contract: US$11 million (UFA 2025)
2024-25 stats: 75 GP, 38 G, 36 A

The former Leafs captain John Tavares has been a smashing success since signing with the Leafs in 2018, becoming one of the highest-profile free agent signings in history.

But with his massive seven-year contract set to expire this offseason, there's no guarantee about where he'll end up.

It's anyone's best guess what kind of deal he'll land this summer, though AFP Analytics does project him out to be on a new deal for three years, with an annual average value of US$7.9 million.

Max Pacioretty

Contract: US$775,000 (UFA 2025)
2024-25 stats: 37 GP, 5 G, 8 A

In his first year as a Leaf, Max Pacioretty has something that many players throughout franchise history don't have: a signature playoff moment.

But at age 36, there's a) no guarantee that Pacioretty will even be in the NHL next season, and b) be with the Leafs, as he was signed on just a one-year deal this offseason.

Max Domi

Contract: US$3.75 million (UFA 2028)
2024-25 stats: 74 GP , 8 G, 25 A

Max Domi is the lone unrestricted free agent on the list, but might be a casualty of his own contract.

Signing for a four-year deal worth US$3.75 million this past summer, Domi's contract looks to be the one on the team that is both in the sweet spot of a) taking up a bit too much cash and b) still probably tradeable to another team in the right package to clear up some cap space.

While Domi does have the security of being signed for next year, unlike his counterparts on this list, there's no guarantee he'll be back next year if Toronto needs to clear some salary cap room this summer.

Steven Lorentz

Contract: US$775,000 (UFA 2025)
2024-25 stats: 80 GP, 8 G, 11 A

Rounding out the list is Steven Lorentz, who signed in Toronto on a one-year deal this past offseason after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers.

Lorentz is far from irreplaceable, though, having put up just one assist so far in 10 playoff games. Having played for four teams in his last four seasons, the Kitchener, Ont., native isn't exactly a stranger to moving in the offseason.