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Superstar or Ghost? Marner Makes High Stakes Bets on Vegas for Redemption |
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BY JAY TUPP
It was one of the worst-kept secrets in the NHL. Mitch Marner had already decided he wouldn't sign a new contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, opting instead to take his talents to Sin City. After signing a new contract with the Leafs this morning, Marner was dealt to the Golden Knights for Nicolas Roy.
This, however, could become one of the most eye-opening moments of Marner's career. A recurring issue in Toronto was the lack of accountability, a problem to which Marner was a key contributor. Now, as he seeks a fresh start, he does so in the most cutthroat market in the NHL.
Unlike in Toronto, where Marner previously shared he was “treated like a god,” in Vegas, he will receive off-ice anonymity. He and his family will be able to live freely without facing ridicule from fans on social media. Instead, he will be held accountable by his new General Manager and ownership group.
His move to Vegas could be the best thing for his career, or it could solidify fans' perceptions of him. During his introductory press conference, Marner shared that he felt Vegas was a fit because it was an organization that "knew how to get the job done," which is true. That also means if Marner doesn't get the job done, he'll be the outlier.
In another universe, Mitch Marner is likely seeing his jersey hung from the rafters in Toronto and his statue added to Legends Row. Instead, Marner now faces a response similar to the one John Tavares received upon his return to Long Island. Only time will tell if Marner made the right choice or if he is exactly what he has been his entire career: a regular-season superstar and a ghost when a playoff series is on the line.
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