After leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs to hitch the Vegas Golden Knights, Mitch Marner described his exit from his hometown team as a “bittersweet moment,” but revealed that concerns for his family’s safety played a serious role in his decision. Following nine seasons with the Leafs, he admitted that while he loved representing Toronto, certain off-ice experiences made it clear that it was time for a brand new chapter, in response to TSN’s Mark Masters.
Marner explained that after the Leafs’ playoff elimination last spring, things escalated in a way that directly affected his family. Just minutes after arriving home from Game 7 against Florida, his father-in-law called to warn him that his address had been posted online.
“[He] goes, ‘I just wish to let you understand, we have people sending us screenshots of a man posting your address online saying that if people want to come back pay us a visit and say, you understand, their goodbyes, in a quotation way, here’s the address.’ And it was a little bit tough, obviously. I mean, we sort of handled it for the last two years in a way. The market’s very passionate. They love the team. I mean, I understand it. I used to be born and raised there. I have been a component of the Leafs Nation for a very long time. But, yeah, when your loved ones’s safety comes into query, especially having a brand new son, I do not think it’s acceptable.” Marner said.
The situation forced Marner to rent full-time security at his house for 2 weeks following the tip of the season. He said the additional protection was crucial “simply to make certain nobody got here to the home,” while even easy tasks like walking his dog or child became a priority.
“Having full-time security at your home for 2 weeks after the playoffs, simply to make certain nobody’s coming around… even worrying in regards to the safety of walking your dog and your child. It’s unlucky… but, yeah, all of us take care of these items sometimes.”
he said, in response to Editor in Leaf.
Although the Maple Leafs hoped to sign him to an extension after his first 100-point season, Marner and his family felt a change was crucial. The Vegas Golden Knights acquired him in a sign-and-trade deal initially of free agency, giving him the prospect to play in a market with less pressure. For Marner, the choice to depart was about greater than hockey — it was about protecting his family members from a level of attention that crossed the road.