'Just frustrating': Ryan Reaves slams toxic Leafs fans, says they drove Mitch Marner out of Toronto after years of loyalty
The recent trade involving Mitch Marner, has been a significant talking point, a long-time fixture with the Toronto Maple Leafs, with teammate Ryan Reaves enlightening on the fan impact that might have bestowed to the move.
After dedicating his entire nine-year career to the Maple Leafs, Marner was sent to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade deal last week. While the Maple Leafs acquired center Nicolas Roy, this transaction saw him secure an eight-year, $96 million contract with Vegas.
Mitch Marner didn't quit on Toronto—Ryan Reaves says the fans quit on him
Speaking on "The Cam & Strick" podcast, Reaves accentuated Marner's deep commitment to the Toronto franchise. He stated, "Mitchie earned the right to go wherever he wants.
He's dedicated a lot of his career—his whole career—to Toronto." Reaves highlighted Marner's local connection and effort, adding, "A hometown guy. He's poured everything he had into it. Sometimes it's just time to move on."
Reaves also underscored the relentless criticism Marner often faced from Toronto's passionate, yet sometimes unforgiving, fanbase. He observed, "I think they can be a little ruthless to him.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
月 *만원대 '실비보험' 최적가 비교추천! "月 보험료 낮추고, 보장은 든든하게"...
굿리치 [등록번호:제2006038313호]
가격 받기
Undo
I guess just because he's the hometown guy, and sometimes fans want to point fingers at somebody." Reaves further narrated the split nature of the Leafs' supporters: those who demand victory at any cost, even "dragging anybody through the dirt," and the steadfast loyalists.
Ryan Reaves talks Toronto media, Evander Kane rivalry and more
He lamented, 'Unfortunately, there's a lot of fans there, so you get a lot of both… I think it's tough for any player when you're just reading all the hate that you get.
It's probably just frustrating." Marner's significant contributions included 741 points in 657 games, placing him fifth in team history.
Simultaneously, Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving is tussling with the challenging task of finding a suitable replacement for Marner. With limited cap space and a scarcity of top-tier offensive players available, Treliving endorsed the difficulty on the "Real Kyper & Bourne" podcast.
"It's not as simple as just going to replace Mitch," he admitted.
He also indicated the current market conditions, noting, "There wasn't a huge appetite for people to move players. You have a rising cap, and you've got a shortage of top players." Treliving remains committed to enhancing the team, despite the obstacles, stating, "I don't think you're ever finished. You're always looking to try to improve your team." He remains observant for opportunities that may arise from teams facing difficult situations or players unexpectedly entering the market.
Also Read:
Mikael Granlund shocks NHL fans with blunt Ducks comments after surprise free agency move
Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Maple Leafs eye top-six winger from Penguins in bold trade proposal
Penguins star Bryan Rust at center of NHL trade rumors (Imagn Images) As the Toronto Maple Leafs' fabled 'Core Four' era has finally come to an end, and with their pursuit of a top-line replacement in the wake of Mitch Marner's departure, a prominent trade scenario is gaining momentum. As per reports in a bold trade proposal, the Maple Leafs is targeting Pittsburgh Penguins right-winger Bryan Rust. Bryan Rust is a reliable top-six winger who scores between 25 and 30 goals in every season. Previously, he recorded 65 points last year and still has three years left on the contract he signed in 2022. With his no-movement clause now expired, the Penguins could consider moving him. Is Maple Leaf vying to acquire Penguins' Bryan Rust? After the breakup with Mitch Marner , general manager Brad Treliving is feeling the pressure, as he has to strengthen Toronto's team, and one name that's been brought up as a possible solution is Bryan Rust from the Pittsburgh Penguins, as suggested by Heavy Sports' Tristin McKinstry. McKinstry of Heavy Sports noted that Rust would be a strong fit for Toronto as the team continues its hunt for a Stanley Cup. "Rust has the ability to score 25-30 goals a season. And he can do so rather reliably. He would be a fantastic addition for a Maple Leafs team seeking to end its longstanding Stanley Cup drought," he added. It is to be noted that earlier, Pittsburgh acquired Nick Robertson, David Kampf, a 2028 first-round pick, and a conditional 2026 third-round pick. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Him? Sit Down Before You See What He Looks Like Now 33 Bridges Undo Clifton, Jones, and Wotherspoon Media Availabilities | Pittsburgh Penguins Kyle Dubas puts a high asking price on Bryan Rust All off season, there's been a lot of buzz about the Pittsburgh Penguins being open to trades, with Kyle Dubas reportedly fielding offers for some key players like Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Erik Karlsson. However, despite all this talk, nothing has happened yet, and that's likely because Dubas is asking for a hefty return, especially for Rust. The proposed trade that would send Rust to Toronto seems like a great fit for the Maple Leafs, but it's hard to believe the Penguins would go for it. While the draft picks are appealing, Dubas has made it clear he's looking for young talent or prospects in any deal, which means Nick Robertson and David Kampf probably won't catch his eye. Also Read : Detroit Red Wings to retire Sergei Fedorov's No. 91 in 2026 | NHL News - Times of India This is definitely a situation worth keeping an eye on, but if Brad Treliving wants to snag Bryan Rust from Pittsburgh, he probably needs to step up his game a little bit more. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
NASCAR to revive racing tradition at Joliet's Chicagoland Speedway in July 2026
NASCAR (Image Source: Getty) NASCAR will return to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, within the next couple of weeks during Independence Day weekend. The NASCAR Cup Series will race at the 1.5-mile oval on Sunday, July 5, 2026, after a seven-year absence from the track, followed by the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series on Saturday, July 4. Things are now getting underway with the ARCA Menards Series on Friday, July 3. From a broad perspective, the revival signals a significant strategic shift, with NASCAR swapping out its downtown Chicago street race that it tried a year ago for a Joliet return that's meant to revive mid-season excitement and serve as a nod to the sport's historic footprint in suburbs outside Chicago. Why NASCAR is returning to Chicagoland Speedway Having sat dormant during the pandemic and well beyond due to new priorities towards urban street racing in Chicago, Chicagoland Speedway last morphed into a NASCAR Cup event in 2019. NASCAR, however, is welcoming a return to its more oval-centric traditions in 2026: a model that aligns better with an efficient business operation, consumer demand, and logistical convenience. An anticipated weekend of racing will find Chicagoland at the center of the action: the ARCA on July 3, the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series on July 4, and the Cup Series headlining on July 5, a perfect marquee weekend for race fans celebrating the birth of their Nation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Beautiful Women Ever Today's NYC Undo While NASCAR executives assert that intermediate-length oval tracks. The 1.5-mile Joliet facility is a prime example, still providing some of the best racing on the schedule, the Cup Series still has the potential to get racing fans throughout the greater Chicagoland area juiced up all over again. Also Read: Kyle Busch firmly declines NASCAR vegan challenge despite top pit stall incentive What this means for the future of NASCAR events in Chicago The 2026 shift to Chicagoland is part of a larger realignment of NASCAR's schedule. Organizers cited logistical as well as resident feedback factors and other needs for operational flexibility behind the decision to pause the Chicago Street Race, which was scheduled to run from 2023 through 2025. After renegotiations with city officials, the street event will return to downtown Chicago in 2027. At the same time, NASCAR makes another nod toward its evolving footprint and willingness to experiment with new, non-traditional racing venues with a new street-course event in San Diego at Naval Base Coronado joining the 2026 schedule. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
How Patrice Bergeron influenced Tage Thompson's unlikely path to NHL stardom
NHL-Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres (Credit: Getty Images) As a child, Tage Thompson was determined to become a goaltender. That dream changed during the 2004–05 NHL lockout while his father Brent was playing in Providence, Rhode Island. With Patrice Bergeron also spending time there, Brent encouraged him to take shots against young Tage in casual street sessions. Sabres' Tage Thompson Notches Seventh Career Hat Trick vs. Bruins Patrice Bergeron's influence during the lockout The outcome was one-sided. Bergeron's skill as a shooter made it clear to Thompson that goaltending would not be his future. Though discouraging in the moment, this experience ultimately set him on a different course, and abandoning the idea of playing in net. Thompson shifted his focus to developing as a forward. And an adjustment that became the foundation of his professional career. Meeting Patrice Bergeron years later in the NHL Years later, when Thompson reached the NHL, he found himself competing directly against Bergeron. Facing a player who unknowingly altered his hockey path was a full-circle moment. Instead of being defined by that early setback. Thompson stood across the ice as a peer and a proven goal scorer in his own right. The meeting was more than just symbolic, as it gave Thompson an appreciation for the impact Bergeron had on him, not only as a player. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo But also as a professional who carried himself with respect and humility. FLORIDA ARE CHAMPS AGAIN & TAGE THOMPSON JOINS THE SHOW I Missin Curfew Ep 399 Youtube Version Carrying the lesson into Patrice Bergeron's own career Thompson's respect for Bergeron grew as he experienced firsthand. This is how the Bruins captain treated opponents and fellow players, Bergeron's kindness and professionalism left a lasting impression. This is showing Thompson that character could be just as meaningful as talent in shaping a legacy. As Thompson's own career developed in Buffalo, he embraced those lessons, beyond his offensive success. He began striving to represent himself in the same respectful and grounded way, Bergeron's influence extended far beyond that childhood street game. It provided a model for leadership that Thompson aims to bring into his own career. Today, Thompson is recognized as one of the NHL's top scoring forwards. But he credits an unlikely source for setting him on that trajectory, Patrice Bergeron's talent may have crushed his early dream. But his professionalism inspired the mindset that continues to guide Thompson's career. Also Read: Toronto Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies attends Grant Cruikshank and McKenna's wedding in Wisconsin Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
