Ryan Reaves Speaks Out on Mitch Marner's Exit and How Leafs Fans Treated Him

Speaking on the 'Cam & Strick' podcast, Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer Ryan Reaves described his view on the team letting go of longtime star winger Mitch Marner, and his thoughts on the fanbase's animosity and perceived anger at Marner who some fans view as having abandoned his team, a claim Marner's team has denied.

Reaves said that Marner earned his contract, and despite what is viewed as having given up, Reaves said that didn't happen, and says Marner "poured everything" in his time in Toronto.

On the fanbase, Reaves said that the complaints on Marner's performance was less about him not doing enough, and more finding a scapegoat for the team's lack of success.

Leafs fans online, trying to prove they aren't the ruthless fanatics Reaves described, quickly called for Reaves to be moved out as well.

Two things can be true in that Mitch Marner is one of the most impressive Toronto Maple Leafs of all time, that Marner's lack of playoff success comes with the knowledge that the Leafs have never had it much in the post-Original Six era.

It can also be true that in the playoffs that Mitch Marner has underperformed, and despite being one of the league's top defensive forwards has not translated that to the physical since of defense, something that bothered fans, especially older fans who are used to a more physical NHL.

Marner's 75 assists and 102 points this season are nothing to scoff at, you don't get those points by just being a passenger, but just 13 points in the playoffs wasn't enough after what was a fantastic regular season.

It has been a common theme for Marner's best to come in the regular season, and matching that in the postseason has been hit-or-miss. Marner isn't solely to blame for the Leafs lack of playoff success, and not the biggest thing holding them back, but he hasn't helped himself.

Ryan Reaves offering a defense of Marner seems to be a rebuke of Leafs fans who are expecting some sort of anger towards his departure, and the idea of retribution in his return.

Marner will likely face the Toronto crowd next time showered with boos, although the Leafs players themselves matching their anger seems to be an unlikely move, unless they're looking to appease the fans. But if Reaves is honest there's no ill will, seeing them hunt Marner to legitimize the fans hatred would be a surprise.

The big reason Leafs fans have chosen to hate Marner is that he was a boyhood Leafs fan, and he can be good, but the public perception has allowed for the idea to linger Marner gave up not just on his team, but his hometown, whether true or not something Leafs diehards see as matter of fact.

Mitch Marner will likely be the most hated person in Toronto sports for the next few years, but in the Leafs dressing room, what's reflected is a very different story in how they're viewing Marner vs. the fans.

And who knows better than the guy who spent a locker room with him?