"Defensive already" "Right answer": NHL fans react as Mitch Marner deflects question about his uncertain Maple Leafs future

Toronto Maple Leafs alternate captain Mitch Marner is entering the final year of his six-year contract with the Leafs next season. When asked about his future with the team, the player dodged the question during a press conference on Wednesday.

A change in the Leafs' captaincy has been announced with Auston Matthews being handed the “C” from John Tavares. Marner, who was present at the conference when the announcement came, was asked about his uncertain future in Toronto.

"I'm not going to get into that too much today. I love being here. I've said that from day one," Marner said. "I'm very fortunate and lucky to be a Maple Leaf. Today's about these two amazing people beside me and that's what I'm going to speak on." [H/T Hockey News]

Fans reacted to his blunt response. They let their opinions be known in the comments section.

Following are some fan reactions from X/Twitter:

“Defensive already.”

“...and here's the narrative for the rest of the season,” quipped one user.

Meanwhile, some fans found the questions awkward. They agreed with the player that it wasn’t the appropriate time to discuss his future when the conversation should be about Auston Mattews’.

“Yup. Not the the appropriate time to ask those questions. This isn’t politics. Shame on whoever asked that,” wrote one fan.

“Leave it to the media for ask mitch about that shit. He’s gonna extend. he’s gonna play great under berube everyone chill out,” quipped another fan.

Fans even supported Mitch Marner’s response. They supported the player’s way of tackling the question on the occasion.

“Its the right answer.”

“I think he handled that fantastically 🤷🏻‍♂️ Today was about Matthews,” opined another user.

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Mitch Marner and HC Craig Berube have hit the pedal on the right foot

Marner’s future in Toronto is largely about to depend on his performances in 2024-25 under new head coach Craig Berube. It seems the player and the coach have started things on the right foot.

During the presser, Marner addressed the photo of them together at a coffee shop that went viral, saying:

“That one was pretty funny to get out. It was a little coffee shop in Etobicoke, there were only a couple people in there.” [H/T Toronto Sun]

Marner also appreciated Berube's approach to coaching the team. He mentioned that their conversations over the summer were positive.

“Talking with Craig throughout the summer, he has been amazing. He’s bringing a great new mindset to the team. I’ve talked to a lot of people that have been under his coaching, and I’ve only heard great things.”

Mitch Marner shared his support for Auston Matthews becoming the new captain, saying that Matthews has grown a lot and will do great as captain with plenty of support from the team. Marner mentioned it's an exciting time for the Leafs and their fans, and hoped for the best for his team.