Life-Changing Event Confirmed for Maple Leafs Superstar Mitch Marner, May Impact Contract Decision

It's been just a few days since Mitch Marner captured the hearts of the nation, setting up Connor McDavid's game-winning goal for Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off finale on Thursday evening.

Marner had experienced plenty of ups and downs during the tournament, at one point even being demoted to the 3rd line. However, Marner elevated his game when it counted, and because of his tremendous play against Team USA, Canada has returned to its former glory as international best-on-best champions once again.

While Marner is being celebrated for his heroics on the ice this past week, another announcement seems to be far more important for the young star.

In recent years, several of Marner's teammates have learned of the joys of parenthood, and now, it appears as though it's Marner's turn to discover just how special it is to become a father for the first time.

Marner's wife, Stephanie Marner, recently shared some photos on her personal Instagram account, sporting a beautiful baby bump, with Marner's hands positioned firmly on top, and a separate photo that seems to confirm that it's a boy.

Morgan Rielly and his wife, Olympian Tessa Virtue, recently welcomed their first child into the world as well.

The interesting wrinkle here is Marner's contract status with the Leafs. As a pending UFA, Marner has been eligible to sign an extension since July 1st of 2024. Still unsigned, Marner may have something to think long and hard about now when it comes to his immediate future.

With he and his wife now expecting, it doesn't seem like the ideal time to pack up their lives and leave the city of Toronto. Does their pregnancy announcement make it more likely that he'll stay? It very well might.

Contract negotiations can be challenging, especially if there's a difference of opinion as to what the player is worth. For Marner, though, as a superstar winger, it's a pretty safe bet that both sides know he's going to get paid. The main questions now are, how much and for how long? Hopefully the two sides can come to an agreement that they can both live with.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Marner on the announcement that they're expecting their first child. Hopefully, by the time baby Marner arrives, Mitch will have his name etched onto the greatest prize in hockey -- the Stanley Cup.