Mitch Marner’s first public comments since his trade to the Vegas Golden Knights shed light on the serious off-ice turmoil of his final weeks with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In an interview with TSN’s Mark Masters at Team Canada’s Olympic orientation camp, Marner revealed that his family required private security for two weeks after the Leafs’ playoff exit against the Florida Panthers.

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Marner’s home address, as he told Masters, was leaked online, and a death threat was made in the aftermath of the Leafs’ season finale.

“It’s kind of tough. We kind of dealt with it for the last two years in a way,” Marner said. “The market’s very passionate. They love their team. I know it, I was born and raised there. I’ve been a part of the Leafs Nation for a lot of time. But when your family’s safety comes into question, especially having a new son, I don’t think it’s acceptable.”

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Jay Rosehill Dismisses Mitch Marner’s Comments on Maple Leafs Fans

Analyst Jay Rosehill, a former Maple Leafs player, was quick to dismiss Marner’s account. Rosehill took to X to drop a blunt reaction to Marner’s interview with Masters.

“Why does he always seem so full of [expletive]?” Rosehill posted on X.

For context, Rosehill has long been critical of Marner’s performances, particularly in high-pressure moments during the past few seasons.

After Toronto’s Game 4 loss to the Panthers in last season’s playoffs, Rosehill highlighted the forward’s lack of production in high-stakes games and an inability to adapt his game.

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“Marner can play the game one way and one way only,” Rosehill wrote on X. “When the going gets tough, a no-look spin around backhand up the middle is all he has to offer. It’s impossible to win playoff hockey with that. The harder it gets, the worse he gets. Nothing will change my mind.”

After a loss to the Boston Bruins late in the regular season, Rosehill had some heated words for Marner.

“I look at Mitch Marner, and all I can think is, who do you think you are?” Rosehill said, among other remarks questioning Marner’s effort and play. “Are you too good? Who do you think you are?”

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Mitch Marner was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights this summer in a sign-and-trade.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Mitch Marner was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights this summer in a sign-and-trade.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Mitch Marner’s Production Still Marked By Criticism

In 657 regular-season games over nine seasons in Toronto, Marner racked up 520 assists (fourth-most all time for Toronto), 741 points (fifth-most) and a plus-128 plus/minus (sixth-best), while also having the second-highest (0.79) assists per game.

Despite all of that production, Marner’s tenure in Toronto was marked by repeated criticism for his and the franchise’s playoff shortcomings, culminating in his exit.

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Upon arriving in Vegas, Marner signed an eight-year, $96 million contract. Speaking to Masters, he made it clear that his focus is on moving past his time in one of the NHL’s most high-pressure markets.

“We’re looking for a new chapter, a new peaceful way of life,” Marner said.

Related: Mitch Marner Cites Address Leak, Safety Fears, Burnout in Maple Leafs Exit

Related: Mitch Marner Recalls ‘Tough’ Final Phone Call with Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.