Mike Commodore to Mitch Marner: Leave Toronto

After the latest early exist from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Toronto Maple Leafs, one particular player facing severe scrutiny is Mitch Marner, who enjoyed another successful regular season campaign but was mostly a non-factor when it mattered most.

A particularly low moment for Marner took place in Game 4 of Round 1 against the Bruins when he was seen throwing his gloves down on the bench in frustration while teammate William Nylander snapped at him. And while Marner has openly stated his preference to continue his career with the Leafs after his current contract expires next summer, that remains to be seen. 

In the mind of former NHL defenseman Mike Commodore, Marner needs to do his best "LeBron James" impression and "take my talents" elsewhere out of the media fishbowl that is Toronto. 

"From the outside looking in, I think if I was Mitch Marner, I think if I'm the Leafs, like, Hey, look, you're gonna have this guy, you know, not even," he said. "He's gonna want to raise, like, we're probably gonna pay another forward like that a bunch of money, or do we try and I know he has a no-move clause and everything like, let's get him out and see if we can get some pieces."

"But, you know, these guys—if I was Mitch Marner—I think I've seen enough; maybe it's time for me to get into it. Maybe it's time for me to get out of Toronto. I've had a nice run here, and things haven't worked out. We didn't win, but, you know, I am a good player. Maybe I'll you know. It's so, LeBron. I don't like LeBron but "take my talents elsewhere," Commodore added.

It was just over 14 years ago exactly that James announced his "decision" in controversial fashion during a segment on live American television in which he revealed he was going to "take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat". 

If Marner does indeed depart Toronto, don't expect to see him do so in the same fashion as James did. 

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