Photo credit: Sportsnet

Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner has made some surprising comments about Maple Leafs fans and being a member of the team despite all the controversy surrounding him.

During a summer that began with Marner being spotted out in Etobicoke having a coffee with new head coach Craig Berube, there were no shortage of rumours surrounding the Markham, Ontario native. Leafs GM Brad Treliving did his best to remind fans throughout the off-season that Marner was a heck of a talent, suggesting that the team still believed in him.

Marner opened training camp by issuing a statement about his current contract status, affirming his love for being a Maple Leaf, but also stating that he would not entertain questions about his negotiations, establishing very early that these contract talks would happen quietly.

Although he refused to answer questions about his contract on opening day of training camp, during the NHL’s media tour in Las Vegas prior to training camp, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman sat down with the 27-year-old right winger for an exclusive interview that aired during the first intermission of the Leafs’ first pre-season game on Sunday against the Ottawa Senators. To close out the interview, Friedman asked Marner if there was something he wanted to say to Leafs fans to which Marner responded by giving a heartfelt and expanded ‘thank you’ to them despite all of the negativity he faces in the media.

“Thank you. At some point in time, people probably looked at taking me with that pick was a little bit of a reach just with size and everything like that and not really knowing anyone’s future. Looking back at it, it’s so funny, my wife and I are always talking… it’s crazy we’re going into our ninth year in Toronto and every year brings a new challenge and a new blessing and we’re fortunate for it all. Just the love you get outside of the rink in the hockey community is one of a kind and I get to see it first hand every time at my charity event throughout the summers and even just walking around the community. I’m very greatful and very fortunate to be a Maple Leaf.”
Given the attacks Marner has been the target of over the past few off-seasons, his comments come as a bit of a surprise. However, if you watch the interview, you can tell he truly does love being a Maple Leaf and having the opportunity to play for the franchise.

Although he doesn’t have an extension just yet, Marner confirmed in his interview as did his agent, Darren Ferris, that negotiations are ongoing. If Marner starts the season the way William Nylander did last season, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see an extension completed sooner rather than later.