Former Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner has eliminated six teams from his free agency list

The Toronto Maple Leafs' loss could be the Blackhawks' gain. Mitch Marner could explore free agency in July, and it appears that if he does, he doesn't plan on returning to Canada.

After nearly a decade in Toronto and failed attempts to win a Stanley Cup, it appears Marner is done. His 102-point season should ideally secure him a nice new contract in free agency, and even with Canadian teams lusting after his services, it appears he won't be considering the other six.

Which puts teams south of the border in control of where he could go next, including Chicago.

According to NHL Insider Anthony DiMarco the Calgary Flames have already looked into Marner, and he dropped a bomb on the hockey world.

If Marner is taking his ball, he's going south of the border, away from Ontario, which includes Ottawa. Along with the Senators, he's not interested in Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Winnipeg.

Given how he's been treated in Canada the past few seasons, you can understand why he'd shy away from sticking around in franchises that put pressure on their players to perform.

Whereas he could land in the Windy City and find a welcoming environment where many NHLers have found a temporary place to revitalize their career, or a new home like Nick Foligno.

Regardless, Marner could be done with Canada for good, if what Anthony Di Marco says is true.