Mitch Marner (Getty Images) Mitch Marner’s departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs has been described as “bittersweet,” but behind the scenes, the star winger was facing challenges far more serious than trade speculation. In a candid interview, Marner revealed that his family dealt with threats and harassment during his final stretch with the Leafs, incidents that eventually led to full-time security at his home.
Mitch Marner opens up about harassment and family safety concerns
Speaking with TSN’s Mark Masters at Hockey Canada’s Olympic orientation camp, Mitch Marner described the weight of the situation after the Leafs’ Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers in May.“(My father-in-law) goes: ‘I just want to let you know we’ve got people sending us screenshots of a guy posting your address online saying that if people want to come pay us a visit and say, you know, their goodbyes, in a quotation way, here’s the address.’ And it was a little tough, obviously,” Marner said.
Marner opens up about ‘bittersweet’ departure from Leafs
The winger admitted that such moments tested his love for his hometown market, saying, “When your family’s safety comes into question, especially having a new son, I don’t think it’s acceptable.”
Agent details troubling history of threats against Mitch Marner
Marner’s agent, Darren Ferris, revealed to the 100% Hockey podcast that this wasn’t the first time the family had been targeted. “We had people throwing stuff in his yard… someone actually posted his address (on social media) once. … And there was another occasion where there was a death threat, and we traced it to a kid in Oakville.”Ferris explained that the agency hired former NHL security staff with policing backgrounds to ensure Marner’s safety.Also Read: Maple Leafs scramble to replace Mitch Marner as Pierre McGuire predicts Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies pairingDespite the turbulence, Marner leaves Toronto with an impressive legacy: 741 career points and nine straight playoff appearances. Now signed to an eight-year, $96 million deal with the Vegas Golden Knights, Marner begins a new chapter, hoping his family can enjoy hockey without living under constant threat.