10-07-2025
'Just frustrating': Ryan Reaves slams toxic Leafs fans, says they drove Mitch Marner out of Toronto after years of loyalty
Ryan Reaves opens up on what led to Mitch Marner's exit from Maple Leafs (Image via AP)
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.
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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.
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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.
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