Leafs Captaincy May Be Playing a Role in Mitch Marner's Uncertain Future
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs might be getting a ton of disrespect from Mitch Marner, and his decision to leave may have to do with giving Auston Matthews the captaincy.
The relationship between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner is frosty to say the least. There are talks that Marner is completely finished with being in Toronto, although some reports also state he's willing to entertain an offer.
The back and forth has led to tons of speculation, but there could be an underlying factor that made Marner feel slighted, that being the captaincy of the team.
Mitch Marner was passed over for captaincy; may be resentful of Auston Matthews
It was the topic of discussion on TSN 1050's First Up program on Thursday, as hosts Aaron Korolnek and Carlo Colaiacovo talked about how they feel Marner's cap was disrespectful towards the Maple Leafs, and it may have come down to the 'C':
There have been multiple expressions of a feeling of a lack of respect from the Marner camp over his time in Toronto.
We saw his dad talking about at some point, 'Why isn't he considered for the captaincy?' We know that there has been a lot of back and forth with management about 'Why did Auston Matthews get this?'
All good arguments but like Mitch Marner, hey let's not forget, this guy has been; you look at the numbers. He's been a stalwart performer...outside of Games 5, 6, and 7 in the playoffs.
Other than that he's been really good, I would not underestimate your point about him wanting to be the 'belle of the ball'
Does he want to be? Does he want this sort of moment to be his? There is a certain aspect of his camp sort of, the way he carried himself that says treatment and this is his moment to get it. - Carlo Colaiacovo
We saw his dad talking about at some point, 'Why isn't he considered for the captaincy?' We know that there has been a lot of back and forth with management about 'Why did Auston Matthews get this?'
All good arguments but like Mitch Marner, hey let's not forget, this guy has been; you look at the numbers. He's been a stalwart performer...outside of Games 5, 6, and 7 in the playoffs.
Other than that he's been really good, I would not underestimate your point about him wanting to be the 'belle of the ball'
Does he want to be? Does he want this sort of moment to be his? There is a certain aspect of his camp sort of, the way he carried himself that says treatment and this is his moment to get it. - Carlo Colaiacovo
This isn't the first time we heard that Marner wants to be front and center of things, and with him being consistently reluctant to help the team on his way out, it could be his petty revenge for not getting the captaincy.
Does Mitch Marner even deserve the captaincy?
Look, there's no argument that Marner is an incredible hockey player. He'll hit 100 points, be a dynamic and consistent offensive presence and he makes every team better instantly.
But does that translate to a good captain? Not necessarily.
John Tavares was the captain of the Maple Leafs for years due to his impeccable leadership qualities, ability to control the ever-present and tough Toronto media, and perform on the ice as well.
Yes he was more quiet and less vocal, but he led by example and was someone the locker room could look up to.
Marner offers maybe two of those qualities, and his inability to face the media and give the same repeat answers instead of facing things head on is a sign he might not handle the pressure of the 'C'.
He also has a habit of letting his temper get the best of him, and while his fire and passion is great; throwing your teammates under the bus isn't the way to show it; especially when you're equally at fault.
Plus, as good as Marner is, Auston Matthews is Auston Matthews. He had a down year sure, but he's one of the greatest goal scorers of the modern era, and even without Marner would be a perennial 45-50 goal scorer.
Besides, there are even others who would be a better choice for captain over Marner. Morgan Rielly could get it based on seniority alone, and given a few more years to grow, Matthew Knies could make an argument to be a future captain.
As great as Marner is, he's better suited as a sidekick. Not that he can't become a leader, but his consistent behavior when things don't go his way aren't indicative of a captain in the NHL.
Sometimes it's best to be a part of something great, instead of trying to be the only great thing.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 20 | 728 ANSWERS Leafs Captaincy May Be Playing a Role in Mitch Marner's Uncertain Future Do you think the Maple Leafs are disrespecting Mitch Marner? | ||
| Yes | 186 | 25.5 % |
| No | 542 | 74.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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