Ryan Reaves, former Toronto Maple Leafs forward and recently signed to the San Jose Sharks, stirred the pot with strong remarks regarding Mitch Marner's departure from Toronto. On the "Leafs Morning Take" podcast, Reaves defended Marner's choice, stating he has earned the right to leave, emphasizing the necessity of a change. Critics have pointed fingers at Reaves, suggesting his comments contributed to his own exit from Toronto, a claim he disputes, attributing his trade to his demotion to the AHL.

Reaves also acknowledged the intense scrutiny players face in Toronto, calling it a hockey mecca with passionate fans and relentless critics. He underscored the unique pressures of playing in such a high-stakes environment where players often become scapegoats during tough times.