Mitch Marner Issues Surprising Statement, Addressing the Leafs' Loyal Fan Base
Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner has made some surprising comments about Maple Leafs fans and being a member of the team despite all the controversy surrounding him.
During a summer that began with Marner being spotted out in Etobicoke having a coffee with new head coach Craig Berube, there were no shortage of rumours surrounding the Markham, Ontario native. Leafs GM Brad Treliving did his best to remind fans throughout the off-season that Marner was a heck of a talent, suggesting that the team still believed in him.
Marner opened training camp by issuing a statement about his current contract status, affirming his love for being a Maple Leaf, but also stating that he would not entertain questions about his negotiations, establishing very early that these contract talks would happen quietly.
Although he refused to answer questions about his contract on opening day of training camp, during the NHL's media tour in Las Vegas prior to training camp, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman sat down with the 27-year-old right winger for an exclusive interview that aired during the first intermission of the Leafs' first pre-season game on Sunday against the Ottawa Senators. To close out the interview, Friedman asked Marner if there was something he wanted to say to Leafs fans to which Marner responded by giving a heartfelt and expanded 'thank you' to them despite all of the negativity he faces in the media.
Given the attacks Marner has been the target of over the past few off-seasons, his comments come as a bit of a surprise. However, if you watch the interview, you can tell he truly does love being a Maple Leaf and having the opportunity to play for the franchise.
Although he doesn't have an extension just yet, Marner confirmed in his interview as did his agent, Darren Ferris, that negotiations are ongoing. If Marner starts the season the way William Nylander did last season, it shouldn't come as a surprise to see an extension completed sooner rather than later.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 23 | 1226 ANSWERS Mitch Marner Issues Surprising Statement, Addressing the Leafs' Loyal Fan Base When will Marner re-sign with the Leafs? | ||
| October/November | 294 | 24 % |
| December-February | 415 | 33.8 % |
| At the end of the season | 278 | 22.7 % |
| Never | 239 | 19.5 % |
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