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Mitch Marner Blasted by NHL Analyst for Leaving Leafs High and Dry Amid Contract Drama

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 3:03 PM ET

Mitch Marner is on his way out of Toronto, and now another NHL analyst has called him out for the way he's conducted business during his departure.

The Toronto Maple Leafs would fall once again in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, and as a result, it's all but guaranteed that star forward Mitch Marner will now depart in free agency.

It's been noted that he has now denied any contact with the team ahead of free agency, and while that doesn't confirm his departure, the belief is that he'll hit the open market on July 1st.

While many believe that is the right move for Marner and his career, he's been absolutely blasted for his decision making, with JD Bunkis of Sportsnet being the latest to pile on to the star forward.

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 are you so mad about?

The part Marner is likely mad about is all of the animosity that's come from the fanbase over the years, as he gave everything to his hometown team throughout his nine years in Toronto, but still, with even the slightest hint he could leave, the fans and the media have completely turned on him.

At this point, it's best for Marner to simply move past this relationship, and while he may seem ungrateful to Maple Leafs fans, this breakup has been a long time coming, with plenty of blame for that on both sides.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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