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Ex-NHLer Carlo Colaiacovo fires back at Mitch Marner’s agent over Maple Leafs criticism
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- Ex-NHLer Carlo Colaiacovo fires back at Mitch Marner’s agent over Maple Leafs criticism
Former NHL defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo has strongly rejected Darren Ferris' recent criticism of the Toronto Maple Leafs . He argued the organization treated Mitch Marner fairly throughout his nine seasons with the team.
Speaking on "First Up," Colaiacovo responded after Ferris, Marner's agent, claimed the Maple Leafs failed to protect Marner and his family during the winger's time in Toronto. Ferris also praised the Vegas Golden Knights for providing a more supportive environment after acquiring Marner in a sign-and-trade last summer.
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Colaiacovo, a Toronto native who was drafted by and played his first six NHL seasons with the Maple Leafs, acknowledged his admiration for Marner but said both sides have already moved on.
"We are big fans of Mitch Marner. We've always been big fans of Mitch Marner the player," Colaiacovo said. "Mitch Marner … decided to make a decision that was best for him, and he wanted to move on. Guess what? Everybody else here has moved on, too."
He also pointed to Marner's playoff success with Vegas. "He almost won the Conn Smythe," Colaiacovo said. "There were a lot of people who were cheering for him. But where was that in Toronto? … Where was that level of play in Toronto when games mattered the most, and you needed your best player to step up and make a big play?"
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Marner finished his Maple Leafs career with 741 points in 657 regular-season games. He also collected 63 points in 70 playoff appearances. However, Toronto was only able to win two playoff series during his tenure despite repeated postseason opportunities.
Colaiacovo said, "The proof is in the pudding with Mitch Marner's playoff statistics as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Yes, he did accumulate a ton of points, but in Games 5 through 7, the stats are there."
Colaiacovo says Maple Leafs rewarded Marner throughout his career
Ex-NHLer Carlo Colaiacovo fires back at Mitch Marner’s agent over Maple Leafs criticism
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Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) and forward Auston Matthews (34) during a break at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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Colaiacovo rejected Ferris' claim that the organization failed its star winger. Pointing to Marner's previous six-year, $65.358 million extension with Toronto in September 2019, which came with a $10.893 million AAV, he painted a picture of what the team did for him.
"You want to be bitter," Colaiacovo said. "You want to hold a grudge against the team; you want to say that the team didn't protect you or the team didn't give you what you wanted. The team wanted to make you the highest-paid player in franchise history before you left. The team made you the fifth-highest player in the league on your second contract."
"So stop crying wolf here. Stop living in the past and wondering, 'What if?' Mitch Marner made a ton of money as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, not just on the ice but off the ice, too."
Colaiacovo also questioned why Ferris continues discussing Marner's exit, saying, "Don't sit here and go on a podcast and try to make Toronto look even worse, as bad as you tried to make them, their fans, and their city look on your way out. Because you're not accomplishing anything good by doing that."
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Colaiacovo warned the criticism could damage Marner's relationship with Leafs fans.
"You keep attacking the organization and the fans," he said. "All it's going to do is make people hate you even more."
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The disagreement reflects two different views of Marner's Toronto career. Ferris focused on the pressure surrounding his client. Colaiacovo emphasized the organization's financial commitment and fan support. Marner has already enjoyed a successful fresh start in Vegas. Whether this debate finally fades likely depends on whether both camps choose to leave the past behind.
