It’s not every summer that the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves at the center of swirling rumors, whispered fan theories, and social media speculation. Yet, as the dust settles on another turbulent off-season, a new narrative is quietly gaining momentum—one that goes far beyond trade rumors or contract negotiations.

This time, the spotlight falls on the relationship between two of the team’s brightest stars: William Nylander and Mitch Marner.

Recent comments from Nylander, made during an exclusive sit-down in Milan as part of a groundbreaking NHL partnership with Italy’s Serie A, have unexpectedly reignited questions about the true nature of his bond with Marner.

On the surface, Nylander was quick to praise his longtime teammate, even calling him “an incredible guy and friend.” But fans, ever attentive to the smallest details, have started to wonder if there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

Did a heated moment during last season’s playoff heartbreak plant the seeds of lasting tension? Was Marner’s departure truly a surprise—or was it something Nylander saw coming all along?

As whispers of a possible rift grow louder, the truth remains shrouded in mystery. What really happened between Toronto’s star duo? The answers might surprise you.

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski | Imagn Images

Comments from Maple Leafs forward William Nylander about Mitch Marner’s departure have sparked a fan theory that the two were not as close as it seemed.

As part of a new partnership between the NHL, NHLPA and Lega Serie A, a number of NHL players visited Milan last week including the Maple Leafs’ William Nylander.

While in Milan, players not only took part in the Serie A season opener and met with local stars, but also sat down with the media members in attendance for in-depth interviews.

Sitting down with Mike Zeisberger from NHL.com in Milan, William Nylander discussed another failed post-season, the upcoming season, and of course, Mitch Marner’s departure.

When it came to discussing Marner, Nylander did his best to debunk any theories about Marner deciding during the season that he was going to leave.

Surprisngly, Nylander’s comments have sparked a fan theory on social media about the duo not being as close as it seemed in front of the camera, even though Nylander called him ‘an incredible guy and friend’ in the same interview.

The majority of fans have called Nylander naive for believing Marner despite the now Vegas Golden Knight noting himself that he thought about leaving two seasons ago.

Ironically, that is when Nylander ripped into Marner during Game 4 against the Boston Bruins in 2024, not skimping on the profanity.

Was or is there a rift between the two stemming from that incident? It’s doubtful, but no one will ever know for sure unless one or both players address it publicly.

Regardless of if there was or wasn’t some tension between the duo, maybe Marner truly did want to stay if the Leafs found post-season success last year and things changed when they were ousted in Game 7.