Mitch Marner Reveals How Long Ago He Began Planning for His Departure from the Leafs
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Ex-Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner met with the media in Vegas on Tuesday and has revealed how long ago he began planning his exit from Toronto, and it goes further back than anyone realized.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially closed the book on the Core 4 era as they move forward without longtime star winger Mitch Marner.
Marner was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Nicolas Roy after agreeing to sign a massive eight-year deal worth $12 million per season.
While fans have speculated about when Marner knew his time in Toronto was coming to an end, it turns out he had been thinking about it far earlier than most suspected.
Speaking with media in Vegas for the first time, Marner shared when things began to shift in Toronto, as per Luke Fox on X:
Mitch Marner says "two years ago, really" things began going south and trade rumours swirled in Toronto. He told the Leafs before the season that he was "willing to take it to the distance" (i.e., let his Leafs contract expire and test free agency).
Former Leafs Winger Mitch Marner Became Public Enemy Number One in Toronto
Marner had already become a polarizing figure in Toronto for refusing to waive his no-movement clause when trade talks involving him began. Now, learning he had planned his departure for years only intensifies the frustration for many fans.
Adding to the sting, Marner also stated during his introductory press conference in Vegas that a big reason he wanted to move on was to join a winning franchise.
As the Maple Leafs adjust to life without their longtime playmaker, GM Brad Treliving and the front office will be working to fill the offensive void left behind. With cap space to spare, there's surely more to come this offseason in Toronto.
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