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The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing heavy criticism after former star winger Mitch Marner reached the Stanley Cup Final in his first season with the Vegas Golden Knights. Marner’s playoff rise has led to debate across social media, especially after ESPN highlighted his success on X
ESPN posted that Marner never moved past the second round during his nine seasons with the Maple Leafs. Now, he leads the NHL postseason scoring race with 21 points while helping Vegas reach the Final.
The Golden Knights defeated the Utah Mammoth in the first round with a 4-2 series score, then the Anaheim Ducks in six games. And now they have swept the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Finals in four games.
MORE: NHL world reacts to bold Maple Leafs take on Mitch Marner
The ESPN post quickly drew strong reactions from fans.
One fan wrote, “Leafs fans called this guy a bum and that he’d never be a playoff guy.”
Another added, “More evidence it’s still a team game and fit matters.”
A third fan pointed toward the pressure in Toronto, saying Marner “definitely could not handle the pressure and toxic media in Toronto. Good for him, hope he wins it.”
One fan reacted, saying, “That’s what happens when you leave the Leafs (hockey hell).”
A fan pointed to Marner’s pressure in Toronto, saying, “The Golden Knights is a much better fit for him. He doesn’t need to be the guy every night.”
One fan wrote, “lmao I love it so much!! Leafs fans and media will post all the cope in the world, but the reality is the kid is doing something the Leafs organization hasn’t accomplished since 1967. Hope the golf is going well for Nylander and Matthews though LLLLLL #LeafsForever.”
The criticism toward Toronto is strong because the team collapsed during the 2025-26 season. While Marner thrived in Vegas, the Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. They finished with a disappointing 32-36-14 record and ended among the NHL’s bottom teams.
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns (84) and center Nathan MacKinnon (29) congratulate Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) and right wing Mitch Marner (93) after the loss in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Toronto traded Marner to Vegas on July 1, 2025, in a sign-and-trade deal before free agency opened. The Golden Knights immediately signed him to an eight-year, $96 million contract. In return, Toronto acquired center Nicolas Roy, who later got traded to the Avalanche before the deadline.
MORE: Maple Leafs in ‘good place’ with Auston Matthews after Zoom meeting
Marner delivered 80 points during the regular season with 24 goals and 56 assists. However, his playoff performances changed the narrative around him. He dominated throughout the postseason, including a natural hat trick against Anaheim and a highlight-reel between-the-legs goal.
Meanwhile, Toronto struggled badly without Marner’s playmaking. Injuries, poor defense, and inconsistent scoring exposed major weaknesses across the roster, leaving fans questioning the organization’s decision to move on from one of its biggest stars.
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ESPN posted that Marner never moved past the second round during his nine seasons with the Maple Leafs. Now, he leads the NHL postseason scoring race with 21 points while helping Vegas reach the Final.
The Golden Knights defeated the Utah Mammoth in the first round with a 4-2 series score, then the Anaheim Ducks in six games. And now they have swept the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Finals in four games.
MORE: NHL world reacts to bold Maple Leafs take on Mitch Marner
The ESPN post quickly drew strong reactions from fans.
One fan wrote, “Leafs fans called this guy a bum and that he’d never be a playoff guy.”
Another added, “More evidence it’s still a team game and fit matters.”
A third fan pointed toward the pressure in Toronto, saying Marner “definitely could not handle the pressure and toxic media in Toronto. Good for him, hope he wins it.”
One fan reacted, saying, “That’s what happens when you leave the Leafs (hockey hell).”
A fan pointed to Marner’s pressure in Toronto, saying, “The Golden Knights is a much better fit for him. He doesn’t need to be the guy every night.”
One fan wrote, “lmao I love it so much!! Leafs fans and media will post all the cope in the world, but the reality is the kid is doing something the Leafs organization hasn’t accomplished since 1967. Hope the golf is going well for Nylander and Matthews though LLLLLL #LeafsForever.”
The criticism toward Toronto is strong because the team collapsed during the 2025-26 season. While Marner thrived in Vegas, the Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. They finished with a disappointing 32-36-14 record and ended among the NHL’s bottom teams.
Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner trade and his rise in Vegas
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Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns (84) and center Nathan MacKinnon (29) congratulate Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) and right wing Mitch Marner (93) after the loss in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Toronto traded Marner to Vegas on July 1, 2025, in a sign-and-trade deal before free agency opened. The Golden Knights immediately signed him to an eight-year, $96 million contract. In return, Toronto acquired center Nicolas Roy, who later got traded to the Avalanche before the deadline.
MORE: Maple Leafs in ‘good place’ with Auston Matthews after Zoom meeting
Marner delivered 80 points during the regular season with 24 goals and 56 assists. However, his playoff performances changed the narrative around him. He dominated throughout the postseason, including a natural hat trick against Anaheim and a highlight-reel between-the-legs goal.
Meanwhile, Toronto struggled badly without Marner’s playmaking. Injuries, poor defense, and inconsistent scoring exposed major weaknesses across the roster, leaving fans questioning the organization’s decision to move on from one of its biggest stars.
Continue reading...
