Mitch Marner admits Vegas interest started months before exit and reveals rift inside Maple Leafs dressing room
When Mitch Marner took the stage in Las Vegas for his introductory press conference, few expected him to be so candid. But his words told a story of early interest in the Golden Knights, stemming from his talks with players like Mark Stone and Adin Hill during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
Marner admitted that the team's culture and living conditions left a strong impression on both him and his wife.
— SeanDutton1111 (@SeanDutton1111)
Mitch Marner's actions reportedly disrupted the Maple Leafs' chemistry
Beyond fan disappointment, there is growing concern that Mitch Marner's behind-the-scenes behavior had a serious effect on Toronto's locker room.
While that is within his contractual rights, the perception it creates is damaging. For a team desperate to reset and finally break through in the playoffs, having a core player mentally checked out only made things worse.
It may not be a surprise if former teammates now feel let down by how things ended.
Mitch Marner's Leafs legacy takes a harsh turn
Mitch Marner's departure from Toronto is beginning to feel less like a fresh start and more like a breakup gone wrong. His postseason performances were already under scrutiny, and his new comments only amplify the frustration surrounding his tenure. Many fans now believe Marner avoided accountability and wasn't fully committed in his final months.
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
The way this unfolded leaves a dent in Marner's once-strong reputation in Toronto. While his time with the Maple Leafs featured offensive brilliance, it's hard to ignore the baggage that came with it. With his future now in Vegas, fans are left wondering how long this tension brewed behind closed doors.
Looking ahead to Marner's return to Toronto
When Mitch Marner eventually steps back onto the ice at Scotiabank Arena wearing a different jersey, the reception may be colder than he expects. Fans who once defended him now feel betrayed. Inside the organization, memories of chemistry issues and unmet expectations will linger.
Toronto's new chapter begins without Mitch Marner, but the wounds he left behind are still fresh.
Also Read:
What Connor McDavid's mindset looks like now, according to insiders' view on Oilers contract extension drama
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match here
.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
LeBron James triggers trade buzz with unexpected July 4 visit to Cleveland Cavaliers facility
LeBron James triggers trade buzz with unexpected July 4 visit to Cleveland Cavaliers facility (Image Source: Getty Images) LeBron James caused a stir this Fourth of July with a surprise visit to the Cleveland Cavaliers' practice facility. A photo of him standing courtside with Summer League player Denver Jones quickly spread online. The timing of the visit, just days after he opted in to his $52.6 million Lakers deal, has sparked new trade rumors. The post has left fans wondering what LeBron might be planning next. LeBron James appears at Cleveland Cavaliers facility reigniting trade talks On July 4, LeBron James was seen standing courtside at the Cleveland Cavaliers' practice facility in Ohio, joining Denver Jones, a standout from the team's 2025 Summer League squad. The snapshot appeared on X and was quickly shared by multiple outlets, including Athlon Sports. This photo hit just days after James announced he would opt in for his $52.6 million player‑option for the 2025–26 season. His agent, Rich Paul, confirmed that four NBA teams had reached out about James' availability, though no serious trade negotiations are currently happening. Despite Paul's denial of formal talks, the timing of this Cleveland visit raises eyebrows. Fans and analysts see the move as more than a July visit; it's being interpreted as possible groundwork for moving James this offseason. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 痛みのない血糖測定器が何百万人もの人々の生活を変えています Wmet 今すぐ購入 Undo LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers setup make trade complicated but not impossible LeBron James, one of the most dominant players in NBA history, celebrated his 21st straight All-Star selection this past season while guiding the Los Angeles Lakers to a 50–32 record. The team fell short in the playoffs, raising questions about their title viability. Under coach Kenny Atkinson, the Cavaliers finished the regular season with the best record in the Eastern Conference (64‑18). With stars like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley, Cleveland looked strong, but still fell short in the playoffs. LeBron James triggers trade buzz with unexpected July 4 visit to Cleveland Cavaliers facility (Image Source: Getty Images) However, a LeBron-Cleveland trade isn't straightforward. James holds a no‑trade clause, meaning he must approve any potential trade. His massive contract and salary cap issues add to the challenge. Industry expert Brian Windhorst suggests that building a winning roster around James in Los Angeles is tougher than before, but a trade remains unlikely given these contractual limits. With free agency in full swing, both Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and Rich Paul are under pressure to craft a roster that can support James. If the Lakers fail to deliver, we may see serious trade discussions late in the summer. Also Read: 'All love Memphis'- Yuki Kawamura shares heartfelt message as he leaves Memphis Grizzlies For now, the spotlight falls back on James and that Fourth of July visit, it's a moment that could mark the turning point of his legendary career. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
'I'll f**king kill you': Travis Kelce reveals he was paralyzed with fear after nfl star threatened to kill him on the field
Travis Kelce recalled a chilling encounter from his early NFL days (Getty Images) Travis Kelce may be a three-time Super Bowl champion now, but his early NFL days were anything but glamorous. In a candid podcast appearance, the Kansas City Chiefs star revealed a chilling moment from 2014 when Clay Matthews , then a feared linebacker, allegedly threatened to kill him on the field—leaving Kelce frozen in fear and humbled by NFL reality. Travis Kelce recalls terrifying threat from Clay Matthews Kelce recently shared a striking memory on the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast – an encounter that left him utterly speechless. It involved the formidable former Green Bay Packers linebacker, Clay Matthews, and a brief, impactful moment at Lambeau Field that truly shook the young Kelce. "It was 2014 - one of my first games - and I had maybe 10 catches total in my career up to that point," Kelce recalled. He remembered thinking, "'This is Lambeau. This is my moment. People are gonna know me after this.' I see Clay Matthews and I'm like, 'Oh [expletive], that's Clay Matthews.'" Kelce went on to depict blocking Matthews during a play. Riding high on the success of the hit, the confident young tight end decided to try some trash talk. That's when Matthews turned, squared up, and delivered a stark warning that Kelce paraphrased as, "Don't [expletive] ever [expletive] talk to me. I'll [expletive] kill you,' or something along the lines..." Kelce confessed, "I just stood there - couldn't even say anything after that. " The message was obvious: Matthews wasn't in the mood for a rookie's chatter. This moment served as a profound, although harsh lesson in the unwritten rules of the NFL – a reminder that experienced legends like Matthews didn't take kindly to being challenged by unproven players. The story, a mix of intimidating and humorous, quickly resonated online. Matthews himself playfully chimed in on X, tweeting, "Allegedly @tkelce. We were BFFs by the end of the game," adding a lighthearted twist. Also Read: "Does Travis Kelce have dyslexia?" Travis Kelce's 'I can't really read' claim triggers massive debate over learning disabilities in sports Now a multiple Super Bowl champion and widely considered one of the greatest tight ends in history, Kelce can look back at such formative experiences with a grin. Despite facing rumors of retirement after a 2024 season that saw his lowest full-season receiving yards, Kelce eventually chose to return. At 35, he remains a vital cog in the Chiefs' offense, and with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, the possibility of another deep playoff run is always accessible. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Sidney Crosby to Montreal Canadiens? NHL insider hints at shocking post-Olympics move amid Penguins rebuild
Sidney Crosby might leave the Pittsburgh Penguins for the Montreal Canadiens (Getty Images_ Could the face of the Pittsburgh Penguins be skating toward a new home in 2026? NHL insider Nick Kypreos believes it's more than just a rumor. During a recent appearance on Sportsnet 590 The Fan, Kypreos floated a bombshell idea—Sidney Crosby, the long-time Penguins captain and one of the league's all-time greats, could be heading to the Montreal Canadiens after the 2026 Winter Olympics. Sidney Crosby trade rumors heat up as NHL insider hints at move to rising Canadiens 'Wait till they get Sid Crosby after the Olympics,' Kypreos teased, leaving hosts Justin Bourne and Sam McKee visibly stunned. When challenged to elaborate, Kypreos didn't back down: 'I'm liking the odds a little better than I did maybe a few weeks ago. Something's going on in Pitt. Things are going on. Things are going on…' Though Kypreos didn't dive into specifics, he pointed to what many believe is an impending rebuild in Pittsburgh. The Penguins have missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, signaling the possible end of an era. With aging stars and no clear path to contention, speculation is growing that the team may be heading toward a teardown. 'He's too good right now to just be a babysitter for the next three years,' Kypreos emphasized. 'It will be such a disservice to the history of our game if we watch him stay in Pittsburgh the next three or four years.' The Montreal Canadiens, valued at over $3 billion, are an ideal landing spot for Crosby, should the Penguins part ways with their longtime leader. The Habs are a young team on the rise and could greatly benefit from Crosby's experience and leadership. Analysts already envision Crosby anchoring the top line, with captain Nick Suzuki sliding into the second center spot, while Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook could shift down or to the wings. Also Read: NHL Predictions: 3-time All-Star Ryan Suter likely to retire as market interest fades in offseason Though it remains a hypothetical scenario, Kypreos' comments have sparked serious intrigue across the hockey world. As the NHL edges closer to the 2026 Olympics, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh—and whether Crosby's final chapters might be written in a different jersey. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
