The Mitch Marner conversation has once again burst onto the scene following Vegas’s trip to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.
After Marner helped the Vegas Golden Knights sweep the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final, he spoke openly about the “dark moments” he experienced during his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
His comments quickly sparked backlash online from Leafs fans, many of whom felt Marner was indirectly criticizing the organization after finally finding playoff success elsewhere. Now, Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon is stepping in and telling Toronto fans it’s time to move on.
Vegas Boss Defends Mitch Marner
During his time in Toronto, Marner was constantly criticized whenever the Maple Leafs came up short in the playoffs. But since arriving in Vegas, the narrative around him has completely changed.
Under John Tortorella, Marner has flourished in a system that appreciates his complete game, from his defensive impact and puck movement to his elite transition play, not just his scoring.
And the production has followed. Marner leads the NHL postseason with 21 points and has played a massive role in pushing Vegas to within four wins of a Stanley Cup. His dominant playoff run is already making the Golden Knights’ eight-year, $96 million investment worth every dollar.
After clinching the Western Conference Final, Marner admitted his career had taken a heavy emotional toll before arriving in Vegas and praised the Golden Knights’ supportive culture. Those comments did not sit well with many Toronto fans online.
Speaking to TSN, McCrimmon defended Marner and compared the reaction to an ex-girlfriend struggling to move on after a breakup. “I know it’s Toronto. I know it’s Mitch Marner. I know it’s polarizing, but for me, it’s a little bit about the guy’s ex-girlfriend moving away and doing well,” McCrimmon said.
He also praised Marner for how smoothly he adapted after switching positions earlier in the season because of injuries in Vegas.
“Mitch had a great year under Bruce… Bruce made him a centerman. The way that he was able to handle that switch because of our need, because of Carlson being out of our lineup, he did that very easily.”
Part of the frustration in Toronto comes from how quickly Marner has changed the narrative around him.
For years, many Leafs fans believed Marner struggled when the lights were brightest. Now, in his very first season away from Toronto, he’s scoring highlight-reel goals, dominating postseason games, and leading a Stanley Cup Final team.
Watching that happen somewhere else has been tough for many in Toronto to accept.
McCrimmon made it clear he believes the criticism has gone too far. “At some point, you got to get over it. He’s a good person. He’s a great teammate. He’s really well-liked and well-respected by his team. He’s happy. So that’s what we’re dealing with,” he added.
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With Vegas now preparing to face either Carolina or Montreal in the Stanley Cup Final, Marner’s redemption story continues to grow larger with every playoff game.
