Mitch Marner Appears to Say an Emotional Goodbye to Maple Leafs Following Game 7 Defeat
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski Imagn images
Following another frustrating post-season and heartbreaking Game 7 defeat, Mitch Marner addressed the uncertainty about his future with the Maple Leafs.
A pending unrestricted free agent on July 1st, Mitch Marner was treated to boos in his final shifts of Game 7 after posting just one assist and 3 shots over the final four games of the series against the Florida Panthers.
As a pending free agent, Marner's future in Toronto had been questioned all season, despite his public claims that he wanted to remain with the Maple Leafs.
Ahead of the trade deadline, however, it appeared the writing was on the wall for the 28-year-old after he was asked to waive his no-movement clause, which was seemingly confirmed just days ago by The Athletic's Chris Johnston, who wrote that Marner appeared to be leaning towards a fresh start.
Asked about his future following Game 7, Marner didn't blatantly say he was leaving, but as he reflected on his time in Toronto, many could see this was likely it for the former first-round pick.
"I don't have any thoughts right now," Marner said regarding his future as a Maple Leaf. "Like I said, pretty devastated with what just happened. Yeah, devastated. I've always enjoyed this team, this city, like I've always said. It's meant everything.
Took a risky pick on a small kid from Toronto, and I've been forever grateful to be able to wear this Maple Leaf and be a part of some of the great legends here and be able to wear this jersey. So, I've never taken a day for granted, and I always loved it."
Took a risky pick on a small kid from Toronto, and I've been forever grateful to be able to wear this Maple Leaf and be a part of some of the great legends here and be able to wear this jersey. So, I've never taken a day for granted, and I always loved it."
A member of the "Core 4" for the past nine seasons, Marner has often been at the forefront of calls for change from Leafs Nation, but never wavered from wanting to stay in Toronto, constantly expressing bis belief in the core.
This time, following Game 7, Marner's answer may have confirmed a summer of change.
"We'll see what happens," said Marner about giving the 'Core 4' another opportunity.
Many expect there to be significant change this off-season for the Leafs. Whether that includes Marner and John Tavares remains to be seen, but there will be clarity one way or another very soon.
| POLL | ||
MAI 19 | 5311 ANSWERS Mitch Marner Appears to Say an Emotional Goodbye to Maple Leafs Following Game 7 Defeat Would you bring Mitch Marner back despite his playoff performance? | ||
| Yes | 1400 | 26.4 % |
| No | 3044 | 57.3 % |
| Depends on his contract | 867 | 16.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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