Insider Drops Bold Remark About Leafs Superstar Mitch Marner
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sportnet's Elliotte Friedman made a very bold remark about Leafs superstar Mitch Marner on the "Cam & Strick" podcast this week that has raised some eyebrows.
It appears more and more likely that Leafs superstar Mitch Marner will hit free agency on July 1st.
While there is some unrest surrounding the Marner situation, according to his linemate Matthew Knies, that isn't a concern in the dressing room with the sophomore noting that he, Marner and John Tavares all want to stay in Toronto long-term.
Marner has been consistent in his commitment to remaining a Leaf for a long time and while the Leafs also want to keep him, many believe his future in Toronto is tied to how he and his team perform in the playoffs.
However, on Tuesday's edition of the "Cam & Strick" podcast, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believes both the organization and Marner will regret it if he is not extended. He also made a very bold statement about his legacy if he remains a Leaf.
"I'll say this. Mitch Marner, when his career is over, he should be known as the best Toronto-born Maple Leaf ever.
I think everybody will regret it if it doesn't happen. Everybody. He gets his back up sometimes, I understand it, it's not easy. But, A), he's a great player and B), I think everybody will regret it if he leaves.
The team will have a huge hole. I think he really does love being a Leaf and when he does retire, he should be known as the greatest Toronto-born Maple Leaf ever. No question about it."
I think everybody will regret it if it doesn't happen. Everybody. He gets his back up sometimes, I understand it, it's not easy. But, A), he's a great player and B), I think everybody will regret it if he leaves.
The team will have a huge hole. I think he really does love being a Leaf and when he does retire, he should be known as the greatest Toronto-born Maple Leaf ever. No question about it."
Describing Marner as the greatest Toronto-born Maple Leaf of all-time is quite the statement from the insider given the history of the Leafs and the prolific Toronto-born players that have previously played for the Leafs.
While Friedman's comments may seem to be outlandish currently, the Markham, Ontario native is quickly climbing to the top of franchise leaderboards and if he remains a Leaf will undoubtedly live up to Friedman's billing.
Leafs legends Darryl Sittler and Doug Gilmour were both home-grown talents, with Sittler hailing from nearby Kitchener, Ontario, while Gilmour hails from Kingston.
The 27-year-old currently has 76 points in 60 games this season and has tallied a total of 715 points in 636 career regular season games with the Maple Leafs.
| POLL | ||
MARS 5 | 2986 ANSWERS Insider Drops Bold Remark About Leafs Superstar Mitch Marner Do you agree with Friedman with Marner potentially being the greatest Toronto-born Maple Leaf? | ||
| Yes | 1838 | 61.6 % |
| No | 1050 | 35.2 % |
| I'm too young to know who else is above him | 98 | 3.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
