Mitch Marner starts his press conference with a major announcement on his contract

On the first day of camp, Marner stepped up to the podium and made it clear: he wasn't going to talk about his contract.

This approach is a shift from last season when Auston Matthews openly discussed his commitment to staying in Toronto.

Rumors swirled throughout the summer that the Leafs were looking to give Marner a fresh start, but his no-movement clause made it difficult. Now, heading into the final year of his six-year contract, the stakes are high.

There have been reports that Marner plans to test free agency next summer, and that his contract situation has already complicated the Leafs' ability to sign free agents. As the season progresses, this uncertainty could become a distraction.

Marner will likely seek a long-term, lucrative deal, but with a history of struggling under pressure, betting on himself could be risky. The Leafs also face the tough question: is Marner the right player to help the team take the next step?