Auston Matthews’ cryptic ‘passengers’ remark takes on new weight after Mitch Marner’s exit from Maple Leafs to Golden Knights

When Auston Matthews expressed frustration following the Toronto Maple Leafs’ latest playoff disappointment, his words struck a chord. Calling out “too many passengers” on the NHL team, the comment seemed general at the time—but with new details emerging, that remark might have had a specific target: Mitch Marner.

Now that Marner has officially joined the Vegas Golden Knights, questions about his commitment to Toronto during the final stretch of his tenure are resurfacing. According to a new report on the Cam and Strick Podcast, Marner may have mentally checked out of the Leafs’ organization long before the summer began.

His exit not only closes a chapter for the Leafs’ original Core Four, but also sheds light on lingering tensions behind the scenes. If Matthews’ comments were indeed aimed at his longtime linemate, it marks a significant shift in the internal culture of Toronto’s locker room.

Marner’s mind was reportedly already in Vegas

NHL insider Andy Strickland shared what he’s heard from within NHL circles regarding Marner’s situation in Toronto. The implication? That Marner had been orchestrating his move to Vegas for quite some time.

Mitch Marner during his introductory press conference with the Vegas Golden Knights, after being acquired through a sign-and-trade deal with Auston Matthews’ Toronto Maple Leafs. Via Official Vegas Golden Knights account on X (@GoldenKnights)

“I’m not getting into names, but I heard from a player that Marner was thinking about Vegas for a long time; he got in the ear of Mark Stone and Adin Hill, got a sense of how they play, and made his mind up.”

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This revelation casts a new light on Matthews’ now-famous “passengers” quote. Rather than being a vague criticism, it may have been a thinly veiled message directed toward a teammate whose focus was already elsewhere during the team’s most crucial moments.

What Matthews’ words say about Toronto’s culture shift

Being labeled a “passenger” is one of the harshest critiques a hockey player can receive. It implies a lack of accountability and a tendency to coast while others carry the weight. In the case of Marner, whose postseason performances often failed to match his regular-season output, the label feels pointed.

While Marner’s individual talent is undeniable—he’s a 100-point player capable of brilliance—his perceived aversion to criticism and inability to deliver in big moments has long drawn criticism from fans and media alike. According to insiders, it also rubbed some teammates the wrong way.

“That’s not the type of player you need in a locker room, and it’s certainly not the player Craig Berube wants around his team,” the podcast noted, referencing Toronto’s new head coach.

A new era for the Maple Leafs begins

Marner’s departure may signal the end of an era, but it also offers a clean slate for the Maple Leafs, who are now clearly building around Matthews and a restructured core. Toronto’s focus appears to be shifting toward players who embrace responsibility, grit, and team-first values—traits Berube has long championed.

As Toronto moves forward into a new chapter, Matthews’ remarks continue to resonate—not just as a moment of leadership, but perhaps as a subtle confirmation that the locker room was ready for change.