Mitch Marner's Anticipated Return to Toronto Sparks Fan Backlash
Mitch Marner might want to invest in some earplugs ahead of his highly anticipated return to Scotiabank Arena this Friday night. The former Toronto Maple Leafs star, now with the Vegas Golden Knights, is set to play in Toronto for the first time since his departure last summer, and the reaction from fans on social media suggests a hostile reception is imminent.
Teammates Plead for Respect as Fans Voice Displeasure
Based on the overwhelming response to a recent story discussing Marner's upcoming game, it appears that Maple Leafs supporters are prepared to boo the player loudly and lustily. This sentiment persists despite public appeals from current Leafs players for a more respectful atmosphere.
Goaltender Joseph Woll expressed hope that fans would show respect during Marner's return, stating after Wednesday's game against Detroit that "hockey is a place of respect and I hope that the fans pay him respect." Other team members, including forwards Scott Laughton, defencemen Brandon Carlo and Simon Benoit, and coach Craig Berube have also weighed in on the situation.
Previous Incidents Set the Stage for Tense Atmosphere
The potential for a negative reception is not without precedent. When the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights met last Thursday in Las Vegas, Toronto fans in attendance at T-Mobile Arena booed Marner during the game. Despite this, Marner performed well, recording two assists in Vegas's 6-5 overtime victory.
Marner's last appearance in a Leafs sweater came on May 18 of last year, during Game 7 of the second round against the Florida Panthers. The Leafs suffered a crushing 6-1 defeat, and one of the final images of Marner in Toronto colors showed him yelling at teammates during a stoppage after Toronto fell behind in the decisive game.
Golden Knights Coach Prepares Marner for Emotional Return
Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy addressed Marner's impending return during media availability before the Golden Knights' game in Boston. "I think Mitch will just have to be ready for what comes his way," Cassidy told reporters. "Jack (Eichel) went through it in Buffalo a little bit. Petro (Alex Pietrangelo) has been in our room, he left St. Louis. (Marner) has some people he can talk to about it."
Cassidy continued, "I don't know if they're all comparable, but they are all good players that left that have to go back to the city they left for the first time. There will be a little bit of, I don't know if anxiety is the right word, but you're always wondering how it will work out."
Fan Sentiment Points Toward Widespread Disapproval
A sampling of fan responses to the story reveals deep-seated resentment toward the former Leafs star:
- "Nope, he shafted the Leafs, he's going to get the full wrath"
- "Just like Marner paid the fans respect before leaving saying his family was in danger"
- "Mild applause during the tribute, booing during the game"
- "Just based on how he got booed in his own arena, I'm expecting record levels of booing when he hits the ice."
- "He didn't pay the fans any respect why should we?"
The Toronto Maple Leafs organization plans to recognize Marner at some point during the game, but based on current fan sentiment, this gesture may be met with mixed reactions. The stage is set for what promises to be an emotionally charged evening at Scotiabank Arena as Marner returns to face his former team amidst what appears to be widespread fan disapproval.
