Mitch Marner gives non-answer when asked about tantrum on bench

Last night, after an absolutely lacklustre performance where cameras appeared to show disdain between Toronto Maple Leafs teammates Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner in a heated discussion on the bench during the second period, Marner was asked about the exchange that occurred, and whether you believe him or not, it doesn't sound like a player who wants to be part of the organization or solution, and it feels as if he has already checked out with the team down 3-1 to the Boston Bruins.

Marner was asked a question by a reporter during a scrum afterwards and responded in part with the following:


This answer, in its entirety, doesn't make sense and, in fact, contradicts what was clearly seen on the broadcast inside Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night. Whether he was asked to speak or thrown to the wolves is up for interpretation, but based on what you can surmise through lip reading, Nylander's comments on the bench were directed towards Marner with the junior hockey comment, as Auston Matthews played with the USNTDP, then played a year in Switzerland before being drafted by the Maple Leafs.



This is a team of hurting players, whether it be physically, mentally or emotionally, but they are professional athletes and grown men that get paid to play a game for a living, and the criticism amongst themselves and throughout the media and fans, although extremely harsh, is one hundred percent warranted.

Playing in Toronto isn't for the faint of heart and many have tried and failed. It should be appreciated that Marner spoke to the media, but it felt like his words rang hollow and he answered for the sake of answering. To prove to everyone you're in it to win it, you need to show it in your performance on the ice, Whether you're returning from illness, injury or whatnot, this is the time of year when excuses won't fly.