Honestly, I don’t know.
Just playing the Devil’s advocate here.
If it is another first round loss. Why won’t he wants to leave. Heck, same can be said about the other Core too.
The Core 5 must either be completely stupid and dumb or really just don’t care as long as they are getting paid or both in choosing to live and die with the Leafs.
I just don’t understand why someone like MM or AM or Willie would want to stay with the Leafs if they continue to collectively choke in the playoffs. Esp if they have options to play elsewhere. Like if Avs decides not to resign Rantanen and go after MM, why would MM wants to resign with the Leafs if money/contract is about the same. Same can applies to Willie and AM, if Avs wants to go after those two via trades, would they really not waive their NMC or NTC?
Stars is another team with cap space as Benn’s contract will expire this summer.
Both Stars and Avs are better equipped to win the Cup than the current Leafs. And none of them will be playing the role of leader but rather a supporting player like Eichel with the Knights. In a way, they are getting paid without the responsibility of being the leader, which is who they are at this moment.
I really can’t see why they would say No and stay with the Leafs if Stars and Avs come knocking.