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Maple Leafs Insider Slams Mitch Marner Over Free Agency Reports

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 1:54 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to lose star forward Mitch Marner to free agency this summer. Marner is seen as the hottest name on the open market and is expected to have a strong market.

Reports have all but said that Marner won't be returning to the team, and that the two sides haven't even spoken on a potential deal. The Maple Leafs roster is likely to look a little different when next season kicks off, and the front office will need to find a way to replace Marner.

But one Maple Leafs insider took the opportunity to go after Marner for this. JD Bunkis of Leafs Talk on Sportsnet slammed Marner over the latest free agency reports.

"He decides Toronto isn't the place he wants to play. Okay, good for him. It's not for everybody. The part I can't understand is the animosity. The Leafs gave you everything, drafted you when it wasn't a slam dunk, gave you a huge extension, never pushed you to be traded. What is he so mad about?" said Bunkis.

What's next for Mitch Marner? @JDBunkis reacts to the reports that Marner's camp has not engaged in contract talks with Toronto. #LeafsForever

https://t.co/ET2culOpbD pic.twitter.com/GsP47Tc6bC
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) June 16, 2025

This seems to be a common thought from many fans of the Maple Leafs, with the reports of Marner not returning. The star forward has seemed to distance himself from Toronto since the season ended, and it has rubbed people the wrong way.

But Marner is likely to get a big payday on the open market, so he probably isn't too worried. Marner has spent his entire career with Toronto, but has seemed to want more of a calm environment.

It remains to be seen where Marner will land, but when he returns to Toronto for a game next season, the fans may let him hear it.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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