Mitch Marner moved to the Vegas Golden Knights last year, but it appears there are still a few truths to uncover from that particular saga. Marner’s exit from the Toronto Maple Leafs was the storyline of the month before the franchise executed a sign-and-trade in early July.
Much was made of Marner’s move, especially after yet another season that didn’t yield a long run in the playoffs. However, one member of the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup-winning core does not believe Marner’s exit was solely down to a lack of playoff success.
Panthers Star Brad Marchand Throws Maple Leafs Fans Under the Bus Over Mitch Marner Saga
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Panthers’ matchup against the Leafs on Tuesday, Marchand revealed that he came close to signing for Toronto last year before Florida GM Bill Zito worked his magic to keep all of Marchand, Aaron Ekblad, and Sam Bennett in town, spending just under $145 million in the process.
Marchand, however, had a lot more to say about the state of the Toronto franchise.
“As a group, the way that they’re competing now, they compete the right way. Which is what they kind of had to get over, that hurdle,” Marchand said. Then came the headline.
“It’s unfortunate the fans ran Marner out of town. I mean, that’s a huge impact for their group. You know, he’s a point-a-game player. Like, that hurts. But, yeah, I mean, they’re a great team, great organization.”
In explaining what attracted him to Toronto.
“As a group, the way that they’re competing now, they compete the right way. Which is what they kind of had to get over that hurdle. It’s unfortunate the fans ran Marner out of town. I mean, that’s a huge impact for their group. You… https://t.co/bRnwrQ31wp
— David Alter (@dalter) January 6, 2026
Marchand’s comments went down like a lead balloon among Leafs fans, who simply accused the Panthers star of playing to the gallery and trolling the fanbase.
However, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun added some weight to Marchand’s comment on nearly joining Toronto. LeBrun reported that the Leafs had an offer ready and waiting for Marchand, had he hit free agency. However, winning the Stanley Cup meant that Toronto’s plans were just words in the wind.
Marchand ultimately signed a six-year, $32 million deal to stay put in Florida.
ALSO READ: Insider Reveals Extent of Harassment Mitch Marner’s Family Faced in Toronto
Over on Marner’s side of things, the Golden Knights star revealed in an interview that he worried about his family’s safety as things went from bad to worse in Toronto.
“When your family’s safety comes into question, especially when you have a new son, I don’t think that’s acceptable,” he explained to TSN.
