Mitch Marner Opens Up About “Bittersweet” Departure from Toronto Maple Leafs After Nine Seasons
Toronto, ON – August 28, 2025 –
Mitch Marner’s decision to leave the Toronto Maple Leafs after nine seasons marked the end of an era that began with enormous promise, delivered many unforgettable moments, but ultimately left both the player and the fanbase longing for more. For Marner, who was drafted fourth overall by the Leafs in 2015 and became a cornerstone of the franchise alongside Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Morgan Rielly, the separation was not a matter of failure but rather of change.
Speaking at Hockey Canada’s Olympic orientation camp on Thursday, the 28-year-old forward described his exit from Toronto as “bittersweet,” offering an honest reflection on the emotions of leaving the team he grew up cheering for and the city where he blossomed into one of the league’s elite playmakers.
The Hardest Goodbyes
While parting ways with teammates and staff was challenging, Marner admitted the toughest farewell was to Auston Matthews, his long-time linemate and friend.
“The phone call to Auston was pretty tough,” Marner told TSN. “We came into the league together, did so many things together, and leaned on each other through everything. I wanted to meet him in person before he left for Arizona after the season, but it didn’t work out. That phone call was really emotional.”
The two formed one of the most dynamic duos in the NHL, with Matthews’ elite finishing ability complementing Marner’s world-class playmaking. Alongside Nylander and Rielly, the group represented the Leafs’ modern core – one that carried heavy expectations from both the front office and the fanbase.
Marner said breaking the news to his teammates was difficult, not just because of the friendships formed but because of the shared struggles they endured in Toronto’s hockey-obsessed environment.
“We really grew together,” Marner explained. “The market was tough on us at times, and we leaned on each other to get through it. Calling those guys to let them know what was happening was hard. It sucked for all of us.”
Why Leave Now?
The Leafs had expressed a clear desire to keep Marner. Coming off his first 100-point season, and serving as one of the team’s alternate captains, he was still very much in the prime of his career. Yet Marner and his family decided it was time to move on.
“We just thought it was time for a new chapter,” Marner said. “I loved being in Toronto, close to family and friends, but after my son Miles was born in May, we wanted to look at other options. We found one that worked.”
That option turned out to be the Vegas Golden Knights, who acquired Marner in a sign-and-trade deal just before the opening of free agency. The move brings him to a market with less media scrutiny but a passionate fanbase nonetheless.
While fatigue with Toronto’s hockey-mad culture wasn’t the official reason for leaving, Marner acknowledged the toll the environment took on him.
“It’s everywhere in Toronto,” he said. “I wouldn’t say that was the main reason, but it was a real grind. The constant noise can wear you down mentally, and that impacts you physically too.”
The Mental Strain of Toronto
Marner revealed that he hired a mental coach three years ago to help him navigate the pressures of playing in Toronto. The criticism, often amplified by social media, took its toll.
“For all the love I got, the hate always seemed louder,” he said. “That’s just how social media works now. It can be tough.”
His agent, Darren Ferris, shared some of the darker moments from Marner’s time in Toronto. “We had people throwing things in his yard. There was even a death threat traced back to a teenager in Oakville. It went way beyond criticism of performance.”
Things came to a head after the Leafs’ devastating Game 7 home loss to the Florida Panthers last spring. Hours after leaving the rink, Marner was informed that his family’s home address had been posted online.
“Five minutes after I got home, my father-in-law called to say people were posting my address, suggesting others come by,” Marner recalled. “It was really tough. We’d dealt with stuff like that before, but with a new son in the house, it became unacceptable.”
Security had to be stationed outside his home for two weeks after the season, a stark reminder of the darker side of fan passion.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Marner leaves Toronto with an impressive résumé. Over nine seasons, he helped the Leafs qualify for the playoffs every year, amassing 63 points in 70 playoff games. Despite his strong postseason production, the Leafs managed just two series wins during his tenure.
“The pain the fans felt, we felt too,” Marner admitted. “We lived it. We wanted to bring a Stanley Cup back, and it didn’t happen. That’s the biggest disappointment of my career so far.”
Still, Marner said he remains grateful for his time in Toronto.
“I’ll always be proud to have worn the Leafs crest. I tried to give everything I had for nine years. I started my foundation here, connected with the community, and got so much love from the fans. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
Looking Ahead in Vegas
For Marner, the move to Las Vegas represents not just a career shift but a lifestyle change. The city’s different pace, combined with its growing hockey culture, provides a fresh environment for him and his young family.
“This summer has been chaotic but fun,” he said. “We’re excited to get settled in Vegas and start this next chapter.”
Marner’s first return to Toronto with the Golden Knights will come on January 23, in the midst of a back-to-back set that begins in Boston.
“They didn’t schedule that one very well,” Marner joked. “I would’ve liked an extra day in Toronto, but it is what it is.”
While the reception from Leafs Nation remains to be seen, Marner insists he isn’t nervous.
“I know there’ll be a lot of attention, but I’m not worried. I’ll just try to enjoy the moment.”
A Bittersweet Farewell
Ultimately, Marner’s departure underscores the delicate balance of playing in Toronto: the honor of representing a historic franchise, the privilege of playing in front of some of the most passionate fans in hockey, but also the relentless scrutiny and pressure that can make even the brightest stars seek a change.
“It’s bittersweet,” Marner concluded. “I’ll always love Toronto. I’ll always be grateful. But sometimes in life, it’s just time for a new chapter.”
As Marner begins his journey with the Golden Knights, Leafs fans will no doubt watch closely – not only when he returns to Scotiabank Arena in January, but throughout his career, as one of Toronto’s homegrown stars tries to write the next chapter of his story under the brighter, but perhaps calmer, lights of Las Vegas.
