According to David Alter of the Hockey News, all hockey reporters were banned from the Mitch Marner All-Star Invitational for the first time.
With so many questions being asked about Marner's future with the team, his effectiveness in the playoffs, and his pending free agency, there's plenty of reasons for Marner to want to avoid the media. However, David Alter points out that the media actually helps promote the Charity event by being present for a question period, a transaction that helps both parties. The fact that Marner is banning the media altogether shows just how much the noise is getting to him.
Marner has been a two-way star in the NHL for several seasons now, but is paid an astronomical salary of $10.9M, and has disappointed time and again in the playoffs. After 8 playoff losses with this group it's abundantly clear that they can not win, and Marner should be the most likely player to be moved.
After Leafs management vaguely tabled the idea of breaking up their core players, it's looking more likely that the team will run it back one more time, hoping that they get out of the first round again. Only time will tell, but they've given no reason for anyone to believe that anything will be different.
Source: David Alter
POLL | ||
JUILLET 12 | 168 ANSWERS Mitch Marner makes new decision to spite Leafs media Do you think it's wrong for Marner to ban media from his event? | ||
Yes, media should be there, it's good for everyone | 56 | 33.3 % |
No, it's his event, do what he wants | 102 | 60.7 % |
See Results | 10 | 6 % |
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