Mitch Marner, a former player for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has revealed that concerns for his family's safety influenced his decision to leave Toronto for Las Vegas. In interviews this week, Marner and his agent, Daren Ferris, discussed the threats that prompted this significant change.

After the Maple Leafs were eliminated by the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the playoffs in May, Marner received alarming news from his father-in-law. "He goes, 'I just want to let you know we’ve got people sending us screenshots of a guy posting your address online,'" Marner said. The message included a warning that people were encouraged to visit his home in a threatening manner.

Following this incident, Marner hired full-time security for his home for two weeks. He expressed that the situation was distressing, especially as he and his wife, Stephanie LaChance, welcomed their first child, Miles, just days before the playoffs.

Marner, who was the fifth-leading scorer for the Leafs last season, felt that he was unfairly blamed for the team's playoff failures. He stated that the negativity surrounding his performance overshadowed his nine years with the team. "The market’s very passionate. They love their team. I know it, I was born and raised there. But when your family’s safety comes into question … I don’t think it’s acceptable," he said.

Ferris echoed Marner's sentiments, noting that the pressure from social media and public scrutiny took a toll on Marner and his family. "One part people don’t always see is the toll that social media and mainstream coverage can take on a player and their family," Ferris said. He added that the negativity directed at Marner often spilled over to those close to him, creating a dangerous environment that sometimes required police involvement.

In a previous incident, Marner and LaChance were victims of a carjacking in Etobicoke, which further heightened their concerns for safety. Ferris emphasized that Marner is more than just a hockey player; he is a son, brother, and now a father. "Protecting that side of him has always been as important as negotiating contracts," Ferris said.

When it came time to decide on his future, Marner prioritized finding a safe environment for his family over financial gain. He had opportunities to earn more elsewhere but chose to focus on playing the game he loves in a place where his family could feel secure and he could compete for a Stanley Cup.

Ferris also addressed rumors of a pre-arranged deal with the Vegas Golden Knights, stating that there was no such plan in place. He mentioned that a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes was discussed at the NHL deadline, but Marner used his no-movement clause to decline it, wanting to stay close to home for his wife's impending delivery.

As free agency approached, the offer from Vegas was compelling, with former Knights players assuring Marner that the team environment and suburban life in the desert were ideal for raising a family. "I wanted Mitch to go to free agency, the whole dog and pony show," Ferris said. "He didn’t want to do it. But we ended up getting a result he was happy with."