Mitch Marner Speaks About the Pressure and Noise that Comes With Playing in Toronto

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Dawson Mckenzie
July 25, 2023 (2:27 PM)

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It is well known that playing in Toronto comes with its share of pros and cons, the latter including being highly criticized by the Toronto Hockey Media.

Marner Opens Up

In a recent interview with Mike Zeisberger at NHL.com, Marner discussed the pressures of playing in Toronto.

"I think you can see the excitement and how much enjoyment I have, whether it's having fun around the rink or just wearing that jersey. I know there are more lovers than haters out there. Far more. The haters are just louder. There's nothing you can really do about that. There are people who are friends to your face but say a lot of things behind it."

However, the haters don't stop Marner from moving forward with the team and trying to get better each season. His focus remains within the locker room, as he tries to shut out the noise outside of it.

"For me, it's about staying away from all that stuff. I know our team loves each other. I know every guy in that locker room has a lot of trust in the guy beside him and the guy across from him. We've got a lot of joy and excitement in our locker room and that's what keeps you going."

Core Four Spotlight

With the Core 4 being the main focus of criticism over the past few years, Marner understands that they share in the responsibility and failures. However, this doesn't deter them from trying to achieve their goals.

"Look, we want to take a lot of responsibility. Yeah, we definitely have a lot of weight on our shoulders, but it's weight that we've all wanted and have asked for pretty much with what we do on the ice. At the same time, it's definitely a team sport, you need everyone out there, and we all know that we need to be better to achieve our ultimate goals. So there's nothing you can really do about it other than just kind of ignore the outside noise and know that everyone in that locker room appreciates each other."

This offseason, the center of attention has drifted off Marner, and onto other members of the Core in William Nylander and Auston Matthews. Both players are under the spotlight for their expiring contracts, and the Leafs associated cap struggles. Marner says that in times like this, he views Matthews and Nylander as friends first, and teammates second.

The full interview is available below.

As read on Maple Leafs Daily:
Mitch Marner comments on the turbulence of playing in a market like Toronto, with the expectations so high