Maple Leafs star winger Mitch Marner spoke with the media on Wednesday for the first time since the Craig Berube hire, offering his thoughts on his new coach.

Shortly after being hired by the Maple Leafs, Berube told the media at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in Las Vegas that he was excited to have the opportunity to coach a player like Mitch, suggesting that Marner would be staying put in Toronto.

After watching good friend and teammate Auston Matthews being crowned the 26th captain in Maple Leafs history on Wednesday, Marner did not wish to respond to queries about his contract status.

However, he did offer up some thoughts on the new coach in town. Marner was very complimentary of his new bench boss.

“Craig has been awesome… It’s been great talking to him all summer. We’re excited for this year, we’re excited to get it going. He’s been a joyful new mind and we’re excited to play under him. Talking with Craig throughout the summer, he’s been amazing. He’s bringing a great new mindset to the team. I talked to a lot of people that have been under his coaching and I’ve only heard great things. We’re very excited to have him.”
-Marner on Berube

With both player and coach appearing to be on the same page, the focus will now turn to training camp and the 2024-25 season. It appears to be the start of a great relationship, but we won’t know how it all unfolds until the two have had a chance to actually work together.