If it wasn’t obvious that Marner would be hitting the free agent market on July 1st before, it is now. News broke today that Mitch Marner would be cancelling his charity event that usually takes place July 10th.
“It was scheduled for July 10-11 at the Toronto Events Centre and usually has a number of NHL and special guests to meet and see compete,” wrote Lance Hornby for the Toronto Sun. “But there is not a mention of it now on Marner’s Assist Foundation website amid speculation he’ll be leaving July 1 as a free agent.”
Hornby also included a statement from an unnamed source that confirmed the event would no longer take place.
“After thoughtful consideration we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event,” Hornby’s source said. “The uncertainty around Mitch’s summer schedule makes it challenging to plan responsibly. Out of respect for the time and commitment of our partners and supporters, we feel it’s best to make this decision now.”
What The Marner Assist Foundation Does
The Marner Assist Foundation was created by Mitch back in 2018 and has raised over $2 million to support the city’s community.
“The goal of the Marner Assist Foundation is to generate sustainable change for children and youth by providing resources that will make a significant impact on their lives,” the foundation’s mission statement reads.
“The funds have been and continue to be invested in children’s social care, health, education, and environmental causes, building brighter futures. We support various organizations whose goals align with ours, including Second Harvest, FEMAP, Jumpstart, LUMENUS, Muskoka Woods Youth Foundation, 360 Kids, and the Salvation Army,” another statement on their website reads.
The particular event that was cancelled is The Marner All-Star Invitational. The event usually welcomes NHL players and celebrities alike to raise money during the two day event.
Toronto Radio Host Slams Marner
The messy breakup continues as the host of Leafs Talk on Sportsnet, JD Bunkis, slammed the super star this morning for his unceremonious exit.
“He decides Toronto isn’t the place he wants to play,” Bunkis began. “Okay, good for him. it’s not for everybody. The part I can’t understand is the animosity.”
This rant came after reports broke that Marner and his management team is not even talking to the Maple Leafs during his free agency considerations. Bunkis says this sudden change of character is coming out of left field for a player that should be thankful for his time in Toronto.
“The Leafs gave you everything,” he continued. “Drafted you when it wasn’t a slam dunk, gave you a huge extension, never pushed you to be traded. What is he so mad about?”
Many Leafs fans and NHL analysts also speculate that Marner may have been asked to wave his no trade clause back in March when the Carolina Hurricanes made Mikko Rantanen available. Fans cite his potential refusal to do so as another anti-team move. Though all reports are speculation and neither side has confirmed or denied if Marner was approached with this proposal or not.
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