That’s why the Leafs Nation team came together to hold a roundtable discussion discussing all of Marner’s business ahead of his long-awaited return to Toronto. Without further delay, let’s join the round table!
What do you think of Mitch Marner’s departure more than six months later?
Who is more responsible for Marner’s tenure going south: himself or the Leafs?
Srinivasan: Marner. All stories aside, Marner effectively gambled on himself and had the worst two games of his career, which also happened to be his last two home games in a Leafs uniform. You could say he won the bet because he was paid handsomely, but I’m sure both parties feel real remorse. It’s on Marner.
Hobson: Marner does. He received bad advice from his camp and shot himself in the foot while speaking to the media more often than not. Keeping his contract negotiations out of the public eye would have gone a long way in saving him from criticism for his shortcomings in the playoffs.
Mazzei: There is blame on both sides for why Marner is no longer with the Leafs. He surrounded himself with people in his camp who tarnished his public reputation, his comments to the media were far from perfect and he did not live up to the expectations set for him after signing his second contract. The Leafs also failed to get rid of him before his no-move clause kicked in, stuck with him even though things didn’t click, and ultimately got little in return when it was clear he would leave. If I had to pick one, I’d lean towards Marner being more responsible for all of this.
Nazareth: Himself. He never made a move in the playoffs and couldn’t handle the pressure of playing in the childhood market. The team always had his back, but in the end it wasn’t enough for him.
Who do you think misses the other the most: Mitch Marner or the Leafs?
Srinivasan: Just in terms of the ice, the Leafs. The idea that the team could replace his impact altogether doesn’t hold up well, with Marner benefiting from lower usage on a loaded Golden Knights team. If he wins a cup, I’m sure he won’t regret it.
Hobson: Right now? Probably a 50/50 split. Marner is performing below his standards in Vegas and the Leafs are performing below their standards without him. We’ll see who progresses further in the play-offs.
Mazzei: The Leafs certainly miss him because of the value he brought during the regular season and the struggle to adjust to life without him. But I’d say Marner misses the Leafs more, not just because his production is down, but mainly because of the culture shock of being away from home for the first time in his life. It’s fair to wonder if he’ll reach a point of regret over time and take a shot at a move near the end of his career.
Nazareth: Mitch Marner misses the Leafs. Marner is seeing some of the worst numbers of his career this year and doesn’t seem too happy with his new surroundings in Vegas. There’s no doubt the Leafs could use his consistent point production on the top line again, but if they can’t anticipate playoff time, what good is that anyway?
What is your favorite Marner memory from his time with the Leafs?
Hobson: Everything from the first few years of his career. Pre-contract drama, when it was just a young kid from Toronto living his dream by playing for the Leafs and bringing hope to the organization after so many years of dumpster diving.
Mazzei: The easy answer is the end of Game 3 of the 2019 series against the Boston Bruins, where Mitch Marner blocked two David Pastrnak shots to secure the win. At the time, it seemed like this was a sign that he was taking the next step toward becoming the type of player who would be key to making the Leafs Stanley Cup contenders. Now it’s looked back on as the last time Leafs fans were unanimously on his side, as things started to go sour from that point on.
Nazareth: “We are considered gods here.” For better or for worse, one of the most memorable quotes from the Leafs locker room in recent years.
What kind of atmosphere do you expect for Marner’s first visit as an opponent to Toronto?
Hobson: If the Vegas match was any indication, it’s going to be a hostile one!
Mazzei: I’ll be even more shocked if Scotiabank Arena isn’t filled with mostly boos, especially considering the atmosphere at the first game in Las Vegas last week. You can expect some applause during the video tribute, but for the rest of the night there will be boos every time he touches the puck.
Nazareth: Angry about the GTA.
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