William Nylander Makes Unexpected Statement on What Really Happened With Mitch Marner

It officially ended his time in Toronto, which saw only a pair of postseason series wins in 2023 and earlier this spring; Marner also drew considerable criticism for having a single assist in the final 4 postseason games against the divisional foe Florida Panthers.

Marner and the Golden Knights have been accused of tampering, but Marner's now-ex teammate William Nylander recently said that he never got the impression that it was a planned exit.

Not sure where that stuff comes from, but I don't think he was ever thinking of leaving ahead of time. I actually asked him during the season and he said he was concentrating on Toronto. I didn't want to press him on that and let him be because it was obviously on his mind, but his play was focused on helping us. Then I asked him after the season and he wasn't sure.

Nylander also said he knows that he understands that it's merely the business of the sport.

It's tough seeing him go but I'm so happy for him and his family. He got to pick where he went so, in that aspect, I'm happy for him. We're going to miss him a lot but that's just the business of the sport. That's the way it is. So we've got to regroup as a team and figure out a way to keep winning games.

Marner is coming off a new career-best 102 points (27G, 75A) in his final year with the Leafs.

Nylander also laughed off the controversial incident with Marner in the 2024 postseason

Marner and Nylander went viral with one another during their 2024 ECQF postseason series against the divisional foe Boston Bruins.

It's hockey. Things happen in the heat of battle. There was too much read into that.

The Maple Leafs lost Marner, but did receive Nick Roy in return while also re-signing former captain John Tavares to a new contract.