Mitch Marner spoke frankly about playoff heartbreak and the personal toll it took, including security at home after the Maple Leafs’ elimination and a harsh online backlash. He described leaving the Leafs—after nine seasons and a $96-million extension—and landing with Vegas in a high-stakes reset. The piece frames a bittersweet exit, with Marner reflecting on his bond with teammates and the reality of fan passion shaping a star’s next chapter, including fantasy implications of a fresh top-line role in Vegas.