Marner says goodbye to Toronto on Instagram: ‘I gave everything I had, but in the end, it wasn’t enough’

Mitch Marner has officially been traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Nicolas Roy and the 28-year-old said farewell to the City of Toronto and the Toronto Maple Leafs via Instagram on Tuesday.

Marner promptly signed an eight-year, $12-million contract with the Golden Knights, where he’ll instantly propel the 2023 Stanley Cup champions to lead contender status behind the two-time defending champion Florida Panthers. Vegas announced in a press release that Marner will wear No. 93 for the Golden Knights.

Here’s what Marner wrote on Instagram:

Dear Toronto, 

Now that my time in Toronto has come to an end, I wanted to share what these last nine years have meant to me. 

Leaving isn’t easy. This city is where I grew up, where I fell in love with hockey, and where I’ve had the incredible honour of living out my childhood dream. Wearing the Maple Leaf on my chest wasn’t just about playing for a team, it was about representing my home. 

When I was drafted, all I wanted was to help bring a Stanley Cup to Toronto. That was always the goal, and I came up short. I know how much this team means to this city, and I know the expectations that come with wearing his jersey. I gave everything that I had, but in the end, it wasn’t enough. That’s hard to admit, because I wanted it so badly, for all of us. 

To the fans: thank you. Playing in Toronto is special because of you. Over the last nine seasons, I have felt it all: the passion, the pride, the hope, the pressure, and the support. You care deeply, and I never took that for granted. 

To my teammates, coaches, trainers, the equipment and medical staff, team services, PR staff, and everyone behind the scenes who keep things running, thank you. I’m grateful for every conservation, every moment of support, and every bit of belief you showed me along the way. 

As I prepare for what comes next, I leave a different person than I was at 18. I’ll always be grateful for my time here, and most of all, I’m so proud to have been a Toronto Maple Leaf. 

With heartfelt thanks, 

Mitch Marner

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