Hall-of-Famer gives Mitch Marner's critics a reality check

On Wednesday, Hall of Famer Adam Oates sounded off on fans amid heavy criticism of Maple Leafs superstar Mitch Marner, whom he believes is being treated unfairly.

It's a very rare occurrence to see anyone in the hockey world taking Marner's side right now. However, Oates went on the Cam & Strick podcast and laid out a passionate speech, detailing why the media and fans should back off of Marner a little bit:




It's hard not to play pin the tail on the donkey with Marner because there are too many situations working against him. For starters, the Maple Leafs have extended Auston Matthews and William Nylander, so any talks about breaking up the core will not involve that duo. They're now solidified.

Secondly, trading John Tavares is almost an impossibility because of his age, his decline in play, and the fact that his cap hit is slightly higher than Marner's.

Third, and most importantly, the relationship between player and city - as well as player and media - has to have soured over the last few years and a breakup is not only required for personal reasons but for financial reasons as well. The Leafs cannot afford to bring back the same group of players for another season nor can they afford to extend Marner beyond 2024-25.

Oates does make a lot of good points. The power play going 1 for 20 was the nail in the coffin in a series that was decided in 7 games, and in overtime to boot. In saying that, Marner played in every game and they needed him to step up to the mark with Nylander and Matthews injured or ill. That did not happen and in a city like Toronto, where the lights are always brighter, someone has to carry the blame. Unfortunately it's a very good young player in Mitch Marner.