There was a lot of buzz around the Toronto Maple Leafs following Mitch Marner’s departure right at the start of the offseason, when the forward signed a sign-and-trade deal with the Vegas Golden Knights. Not only Auston Matthews recently broke his silence on the matter, but several other teammates have also spoken out.
Marner’s exit continues to resonate in Toronto, as after nine seasons with the franchise, Matthews’ former linemate decided to continue his career elsewhere. He signed an eight-year, $96 million contract with Vegas.
William Nylander is the Matthews’ teammate who shared previously unknown details about Marner and denied the rumors suggesting the forward had long been set on leaving the Maple Leafs before joining the Golden Knights this offseason.
Nylander’s thoughts on Marner
“I’m not sure where that comes from, but I don’t think he was planning on leaving before… In fact, I asked him during the season, and he told me he was focused on Toronto,” Nylander admitted about Marner’s exit during the NHL/NHLPA European Player Media Tour, according to NHL.com.
Nylander also didn’t hesitate to describe Marner as a “great teammate” and an “incredible person.” The 29-year-old right wing added that Marner’s only goal on the ice was “to bring success to the franchise,” which hasn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1967.
What’s next for the Maple Leafs
Nylander acknowledged the challenge of replacing Marner’s elite production, as he recorded 102 points last season. Still, he praised management’s efforts to add depth with new additions such as Matias Maccelli, Nicolas Roy, and Dakota Joshua.