Marner needed full-time security at home in Toronto after Leafs’ Game 7 loss
Leafs Nation has been known to be a spirited and sometimes tough fanbase to play in front of. However, according to a former star of the Toronto Maple Leafs, things went a bit too far after the team’s most recent postseason disappointment.
In an interview with TSN’s Mark Masters, new Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner described the uncomfortable days that followed the Maple Leafs’ most recent playoff exit – a Game 7 loss to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
Marner had little time to sulk in the defeat, as he received a call from his father-in-law five minutes after getting home from the game.
"Having full-time security, pretty much, at your house for two weeks after the playoffs just to make sure no one's coming to your house"
Mitch Marner on dealing with the scrutiny from fans after the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/CM3w22x7CA
“[He] goes, ‘I just want to let you know,” Marner explained. “‘We’ve got people sending us screenshots of a guy posting your address online, saying that if people want to come pay us a visit and say, you know, their goodbyes, in a quotation way, here’s the address.’ And it was a little tough, obviously.”
Marner admitted that the Leafs have some of the most educated and sincere fan bases in all of sports. However, when his public profile came to an intimate setting, it was a little over the top.
“I mean, we kind of dealt with it for the last two years in a way. The market’s very passionate. They love the team. I mean, I know it. I was born and raised there. I’ve been a part of the Leafs Nation for a long time. But, yeah, when your family’s safety comes into question, especially having a new son, I don’t think it’s acceptable.”
Marner confirmed that he had full-time security at his residence for two weeks after the team’s final game.
“Just to make sure no one’s coming to the house,” he said. “Also, the safety of trying to walk your dog or child, so that was a little unfortunate. Yeah, we all deal with this stuff. Sometimes it happens.”
The Leafs were blown away by the Panthers, 6-1 on home ice, to cap off the Atlantic Division Final, in what ended up being Marner’s final game playing for his hometown team.
“We lose Game 7 as we do in [the most] non-enjoyable way of all time, probably. You know, get home, you’re pretty disappointed, you’re pretty devastated at that. You know, the thought also of it being my last Maple Leaf game at home.”
Marner was sent to the Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade deal. The former London Knight signed an eight-year contract extension with the Leafs, carrying an AAV of $12 million, before being traded to Vegas for forward Nicolas Roy.