Latest news with #Marner
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
The untold story behind Mitch Marner's Vegas move: Report reveals when things began to break between the star and franchise
Inside the Mitch Marner-Maple Leafs rift Mitch Marner has officially parted ways with the Toronto Maple Leafs, ending years of speculation. The star winger, often at the center of intense scrutiny in Canada's hockey capital, has signed a lucrative eight-year, $96 million deal with the Vegas Golden Knights. The blockbuster sign-and-trade deal, finalized just before free agency opened, sent Marner westward in exchange for center Nicolas Roy. But why did all of these happen? A new report hints at the behind-the-scenes story. Mitch Marner's departure from Maple Leafs: A long time coming? The writing, it seems, had been on the wall for quite some time. According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, the breaking point between Marner and the Maple Leafs didn't emerge overnight—it began two seasons ago during the team's dismal playoff run against the Florida Panthers. 'I think it was two years ago and it has nothing to do with Brad Treliving in terms of timing,' Johnston said. 'Another series where Mitch Marner didn't put a lot of points. Took a lot of criticism... I think it was just piling up at that point.' The backlash Marner faced, particularly during a notably awkward interview between Games 3 and 4, painted a clear picture of a player overwhelmed by the pressure. The media glare and relentless fan expectations in Toronto seemed to wear heavily on the 27-year-old winger, gradually straining the relationship beyond repair. Mitch Marner wants a fresh start with Vegas and family-first priorities While fans speculated over contract disputes and trade rumors, Marner's motivations went deeper. His move to Vegas isn't just about money or opportunity—it's about peace of mind and a chance to chase the Stanley Cup under different circumstances. At a press conference, Marner openly admitted his family played a central role in the decision to change cities. Johnston's report supported that sentiment: 'The split up here on one hand it's the team and the player, but it's really the city, the fanbase and maybe the media in some degree... He was becoming less enamored with his life as a Leaf.' For Marner, this isn't just a career move—it's a personal evolution. One that he hopes will end not in controversy, but in championship glory. FAQs 1. Why did Mitch Marner leave the Toronto Maple Leafs? Mitch Marner left due to growing criticism in Toronto and a desire for a better shot at the Stanley Cup with Vegas. 2. What did the Leafs get in return for trading Marner? The Toronto Maple Leafs received center Nicolas Roy in exchange for Mitch Marner. 3. How much is Mitch Marner's new contract with the Golden Knights worth? Marner signed an eight-year, $96 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. Also Read: Maple Leafs fans, are you ready for the William Nylander takeover as Mitch Marner's no longer in the picture Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Maple Leafs fans, are you ready for the William Nylander takeover as Mitch Marner's no longer in the picture
With Marner gone, is this Nylander's moment to silence his critics once and for all? (Imagn Images) In the shadow of Mitch Marner's exit, a fresh narrative is forming in Toronto — and it's wearing No. 88. As the Maple Leafs adjust to a new era without their elite playmaker, attention now shifts toward William Nylander. With his infectious charisma and explosive on-ice talent, Nylander isn't just filling a void — he's poised to redefine it. Leafs fans, the takeover isn't coming. It's already in motion. A new chapter begins: William Nylander steps into the spotlight While much of the buzz in Toronto has always circled Auston Matthews, there's a quiet revolution unfolding with William Nylander. Fresh off a career-best 45-goal season, the Swedish winger is proving he's not just a scorer but a dynamic playmaker as well. Though his assist count dipped from 58 to 39 last season, the challenge ahead is clear — balance the sniper's edge with the vision of a premier setup man. If he finds that sweet spot, fans might not miss Marner's artistry as much as they feared. What makes Nylander even more essential in this post-Marner landscape is his versatility. Under Craig Berube, his deployment offers tantalizing possibilities — either flanking Matthews and Matthew Knies on the top line or generating momentum with veterans like John Tavares and Matias Maccelli on the second. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Both combinations position Nylander as a central figure, not just in execution but in leadership. And let's be honest — at $11.5 million per year, expectations are sky-high. But Nylander has shown he thrives under pressure. His six goals and 15 points in 13 playoff games last spring were not just clutch, they were a message: this isn't a support player anymore. This is a franchise cornerstone. From rising star to franchise cornerstone: William Nylander's moment has arrived Nylander's temperament may just be his secret weapon. Unlike the visibly burdened Marner, Nylander carries himself with a relaxed confidence. 'If you've been in a dressing room with Nylander... you can't help but note that he's a happy guy on the whole.' That steady mindset will be crucial as scrutiny intensifies and the spotlight burns brighter. Raised by an NHL father, Nylander understands what it takes to perform under constant media glare. And now, with Marner gone and expectations higher than ever, the Leafs need him to stay consistent, electrifying, and dependable. He's been all of that for nearly a decade. There's every reason to believe he'll be even more. Nylander isn't just ready for the spotlight. He was born for it. Also Read: Nazem Kadri's trade value reportedly at peak: Are the Flames finally ready to pull the trigger? Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Biggest mistake in years: Toronto Maple Leafs replacing Mitch Marner with depth sparks fan backlash
Maple Leafs' trade of Mitch Marner to the Golden Knights has ignited a fierce debate among fans (Getty Images) Mitch Marner's move from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Golden Knights has sparked intense NHL debate. Toronto replaced his salary with four new players for depth. This strategy splits fans, some questioning new additions' offense versus Marner's points, others preferring a balanced team. Mitch Marner's exit sparks chaos as Leafs bet on low-scoring replacements Hockey fans were stunned due to Mitch Marner's unexpected trade from the Maple Leafs to the Golden Knights. His departure concluded a brief saga, with Marner reflecting, 'When I was drafted, all I wanted was to help bring a Stanley Cup to Toronto.' The move sparked pervasive discourse. A central figure during the 'Core Four' era, Marner hit a personal high with 102 points last regular season. Although, consistent playoff disappointments, both for him and the team, had created a sense of mutual frustration. Extending his nearly $10.9 million contract became unsustainable for Toronto, clearly perceptible in their surge of new signings. McCluskey, a keen observer, put it bluntly: 'You wanted it, you got it. No more speculation. We now know exactly what it looks like to replace Marner's cap hit with depth: Matias Maccelli: $3.425m, Dakota Joshua: $3.250m, Nicolas Roy: $3.00m, Michael Pezzetta: $812,500 = $10,487,500.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Pondering Marner's previous earnings, McCluskey then inquired, '$10,893,000. There's room for another $2m player to match his cap hit this year. How's everyone feeling?' The answers from the fanbase were strikingly divided, highlighting Marner's continued popularity amidst some supporters. One fan simply commented, 'I'd rather have Marner.' Mitch Marner's exit and Maple Leafs' budget strategy slammed by fans Despite Toronto acquiring four new players from various teams, this sentiment persisted. The debate quickly pivoted to offensive output. Referring to Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, and Nicolas Roy, one optimistic fan claimed, 'The first 3 are getting way over 100 points.' Yet, many found this a tough pill to swallow given their past stats. Another offered a grim forecast: 'Maccelli on pace for 27 points, Joshua on pace for 20, Roy on pace for 36, Pezzeta on pace for 0. Nice, a combined 83 between 4 guys to replace Marner,' implying the combined effort wouldn't match Marner's production. Also Read: Mitch Marner's highly anticipated return to Toronto as a Golden Knight set for January 23, 2026 showdown Mitch Marner's Leafs exit for the Golden Knights divides fans: can new depth replace his superstar impact, or will Toronto miss his elite scoring? FAQS: 1. What is Mitch Marner's net worth in 2025? Mitch Marner's net worth in 2025 is approximately $20 million. 2. What is Mitch Marner's age? Mitch Marner is 28 years old. 3. Who is Mitch Marner's wife? Mitch Marner's wife is Stephanie LaChance. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Toronto Maple Leafs News, Videos, Schedule, Roster, Stats
Athlon Sports The Toronto Maple Leafs are searching for ways to improve the roster following another early playoff exit. Marner departed Toronto in free agency, agreeing to a massive deal with the Vegas Golden Knights. While the two sides worked out a sign-and-trade, losing Marner will likely have a big impact on the roster.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Toronto Maple Leafs complete $10.5M Mitch Marner replacement project ahead of 2025–26 NHL season
NHL-Toronto Maple Leafs (Credit: Getty Images) T he Toronto Maple Leafs may have finally turned the page on the Mitch Marner era. The team entered this offseason knowing it was unlikely their $10.9 million forward would return. Now, they've executed what appears to be their solution: a four-man effort to replicate Marner's all-around value. While no single player can replace the dynamic impact of Marner, one of the top two-way wingers in the National Hockey League, the Maple Leafs have chosen a different path. As famously quoted in Moneyball, it's about replacing a star 'in the aggregate.' Toronto's front office brought in four new NHL talents, Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, Joshua Roy, and Michael Pezzetta, whose combined cap hit stands at $10.5 million for the upcoming 2025–26 season. The strategy is simple: redistribute Marner's workload across a mix of skill, physicality, and depth. A blend of grit and finesse arrives in Toronto M by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo accelli is arguably the most skilled of the incoming group. The Finnish winger brings offensive upside and high hockey IQ, skills that align well with the team's top-six structure. Dakota Joshua, fresh off a strong season with the Vancouver Canucks, adds size, checking ability, and defensive responsibility. Marner's departure marks a new chapter Marner's likely exit this summer didn't catch anyone off guard. The Toronto Maple Leafs knew early in the offseason that re-signing the former London Knights star would be a long shot. The 27-year-old's price tag. And the team's evolving cap structure made it a difficult fit. The pressure doesn't ease with the change Even without Marner, the expectations in Toronto remain sky-high; the Maple Leafs still boast core stars like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Morgan Rielly. Now, with a deeper and potentially more balanced lineup, Toronto hopes to finally overcome its postseason demons. Replacing Marner isn't about finding another elite winger, it's about building a more resilient and complete team. Whether the $10.5 million project pays off won't be known until April, but one thing's clear: the Toronto Maple Leafs are betting on depth over star power this time. Also Read: Edmonton Oilers linked to $27m veteran Jonathan Marchessault, pressure mounts as Oilers eye scoring boost for NHL 2025-26 season Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
