In the wake of one of the biggest trades of the offseason, the hockey world is still buzzing over Mitch Marner’s move from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Vegas Golden Knights.

The blockbuster sign-and-trade deal not only signaled the end of an era in Toronto but also sparked intense debate among fans and analysts about Marner’s legacy with the Leafs.

While some have focused on his playoff shortcomings, others have come to his defense, arguing that the criticism he received was excessive and, at times, unfair.

Recently, former Maple Leafs enforcer Stu Grimson added his voice to the conversation, speaking out against the harsh treatment Marner endured from certain segments of the Toronto fanbase and media.

Grimson’s comments, delivered during a candid interview on ‘The Sports Rush,’ highlight the emotional fallout that often accompanies high-profile trades and the pressure placed on star players in hockey’s most passionate markets.

As Marner begins a new chapter with the Golden Knights under a lucrative long-term contract, the debate over his time in Toronto—and how he was perceived—remains as heated as ever.

Mitch Marner and Vegas Golden Knights GM

Photo credit: NHL

Former Maple Leafs enforcer Stu Grimson is calling out some fans and analysts for how Mitch Marner was treated following trade to Golden Knights.

Former Maple Leafs enforcer Stu Grimson is calling out certain Toronto fans and analysts over how they treated Mitch Marner, now with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Mitch Marner is no longer a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, as he was acquired by the Vegas Golden Knights in a massive sign and trade deal.

He’s now under contract with Vegas for the next 8 years with an AAV (average annual value) of $12 million, a $1.1 million raise over his previous AAV of $10.9 million with Toronto.

While that era of Maple Leafs hockey is now over, another former Leaf isn’t satisfied with how Marner was treated by some fans and analysts.

Former Leafs enforcer Stu Grimson, appearing on ‘The Sports Rush’, said he thinks Marner received more criticism than he had a right to.

»I mean, that’s really where the anxiety around past Leafs performances have lied for that fanbase. But, Marner, in my estimation, got more of the flack than maybe he really deserved.”

I think the blue-collar crowd that’s mostly outside of the venue where this group plays, if they had their druthers, if they could voice a concern uniformly together, they might take it out on Marner.»

Grimson continued:

»That white-collar crowd, I think, kind of gets the point that I’m making. He was just one piece of a roster that fell short. I think they remember him fondly. I think they treat him with class and respect at the end.»

On the other hand, some may point to the uncomfortable fact that Marner didn’t produce when it mattered the most, in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

He took plenty of heat for having no points in the final 4 postseason games this year against the divisional foe Florida Panthers, and like most of his now-ex teammates, only advanced past the ECQF twice.