TORONTO — Mitch Marner walked up a few steps onto a small stage before taking his seat at the microphone.
The Maple Leafs star did his best to get out in front of a narrative that cast a long shadow over the team's off-season — and one that will continue to do so until there's a resolution."There's going to be some contract questions, but I'm not here to talk about that," Marner told reporters Wednesday during a brief opening statement at Toronto's practice facility."I'm very happy to be a Maple Leaf. It's an unbelievable privilege.
Marner bore the brunt of fan frustration after picking up just three points in a series where Toronto's high-powered offence evaporated with just 12 combined goals. Marner appeared the obvious choice to be shipped out the door via trade, but with a full no-movement clause in his contract, the 27-year-old held all the cards.
Leafs head coach Craig Berube, who replaced Sheldon Keefe and arrives with a no-nonsense reputation, is looking forward to working with Marner.
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