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Brad Marchand Says Leafs Fans Drove Mitch Marner Out, Reveals Free-Agency Choice Was Florida or Toronto

His pregame remarks refocus attention on Toronto's intense market pressure.

Overview

  • Before the Panthers faced the Maple Leafs on Tuesday, Marchand said Toronto fans “ran Mitch Marner out of town,” calling the winger a point‑per‑game loss for the Leafs.
  • Mitch Marner was booed off the ice in last season’s Game 7 loss to Florida and was later traded to the Vegas Golden Knights for centre Nicolas Roy.
  • Marchand said his 2025 decision was between Florida and Toronto, then signed a six‑year extension with the Panthers at a reported $5.25 million AAV the day before free agency opened.
  • He has criticized the Toronto market, saying media attention and fan reactions there get blown out of proportion.
  • Marchand helped eliminate Toronto last spring with three goals and eight points, and he leads Florida this season with 23 goals and 46 points in 40 games.