In Toronto, before Mitch Marner faced the press for what many believe was his final media availability as a Toronto Maple Leaf, ahead of cleaning out his locker and heading towards a summer of uncertainty, he began with an unexpected gesture.
Marner publicly thanked a reporter for removing a tweet that was posted following Game 7.
The reactions to the deleted tweet, which mentioned Marner`s apparent indecision about remaining with the Leafs in 2025-26, were far from positive. Social media can be harsh at the best of times in sports, making the venom fueled by the raw frustration of another Game 7 loss entirely predictable.
However, at least one response from a fan, posted under a pseudonym, crossed acceptable boundaries and verged on threatening and harassment.
Certainly, the All-Star forward must weigh standard factors during his upcoming free agency negotiations – including salary, contract duration, bonuses, likelihood of winning, tax implications, the coach, his role, and climate, among others. But as a new father, he also needs to consider the implications of raising his young family in a city where he is constantly accessible and has become such a divisive figure.
Athletes understand and accept scrutiny; it`s part of their profession. But how has being a high-profile player from the hometown affected Marner`s family?
“It’s tough on them,” Marner acknowledged on Tuesday. “My wife, Stephanie, and I have done a really good job over the past couple of years of simply not focusing on it. You can`t let it consume you. There’s so much genuine love and appreciation for you and from the fans out there. And just because you might not hear it constantly doesn`t mean it`s not present.”
He continued, “Sometimes the loudest noise isn`t the one you want to hear. But that’s just how things are. And I`m sure my family is finding it hard, especially after being in the stands for a few of those difficult home playoff losses. But that’s the nature of hockey, and the intensity and passion this city has is something you ultimately appreciate and love about being here.”
