Mitch Marner gives heartfelt response when asked if he could say one thing to Leafs Nation

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Cooper Godin
September 23, 2024 (8:59)

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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner gave a heartfelt response when asked if he could say one thing to Leafs Nation.

It's a big year for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner. After dealing with trade rumours almost all summer, Marner returns to Toronto for his ninth season in the National Hockey League, but this one may stand out more than his previous eight.

Next summer, Marner is set to become an unrestricted free agent and despite becoming eligible to sign an extension back in July, the 27-year-old remains without a contract after this season. Marner doesn't seem too worried about anything off the ice and has his full focus on the 2024-25 season, telling the media last week that he doesn't want to talk about his contract status at this time.

During a recent interview with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Mitch Marner gave a very meaningful response when asked if he could say one thing to Leafs nation. Marner told Friedman that he's very fortunate to be a Toronto Maple Leaf, adding that all the love he gets in the community is 'one-of-a-kind'.

"I mean, just thank you. I think, at some point, people probably thought drafting me was a bit of a reach, with my size and all that, and not knowing anyone's early future with any team. Looking back, it's still funny. My wife and I always talk about how crazy it is that we're heading into our ninth year in Toronto." Marner said.

He added, "Every year brings a new challenge and a new blessing, and I'm fortunate for it all. The love you get outside the rink, around the community, is one-of-a-kind. I get to see it firsthand at my charity events in the summers, and even just walking around the city. I'm very grateful and fortunate to be a Maple Leaf."

Marner appeared in his first preseason game of the year on Sunday night as the Maple Leafs fell to the Ottawa Senators in overtime. The Markham native finished the game with one assist, two shots on goal.

We'll have to wait and see what the 2024-25 season has in store for Mitch Marner and if the Toronto Maple Leafs and his camp, led by Darren Ferris, are able to get a deal done before he hits the open market next summer on Canada Day.