Mitch Marner posts goodbye message to Maple Leafs, fan base on Instagram

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Mitch Marner has taken to Instagram to say goodbye.

In a heartfelt post to his account marner_93 on Tuesday morning, the now ex-Maple Leafs winger thanked the fan base and the organization in the wake of being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights.

“Dear Toronto,” Marner’s post began, “Now that my time in Toronto has come to an end, I wanted to share what these last nine years have meant to me.

“Leaving isn’t easy. This city is where I grew up, where I fell in love with hockey, and where I’ve had the incredible honour of living out my childhood dream. Wearing the Maple Leaf on my chest wasn’t just about playing for a team, it was about representing my home.”

Marner, drafted by the Leafs fourth overall in 2015, then touched on the failure to help the Leafs win a Stanley Cup.

“When I was drafted, all I wanted was to help bring a Stanley Cup to Toronto,” Marner said. “That was always the goal, and I came up short. I know how much this team means to this city, and I know the expectations that come with wearing this jersey.

“I gave everything I had, but in the end, it wasn’t enough. That’s hard to admit, because I wanted it so badly, for all of us.”

Portions of the fan base have given Marner a rough side on social media, to say the least, and criticism hasn’t been limited to hockey, but the 28-year-old addressed Leafs Nation with thanks.

“To the fans: thank you. Playing in Toronto is special because of you,” Marner said. “Over the last nine seasons, I have felt it all: the passion, the pride, the hope, the pressure, and the support. You care deeply, and I never took that for granted.”

Marner then turned his attention to the club.

“To my teammates, coaches, trainers, the equipment and medical staff, team services, PR staff and everyone behind the scenes who keep things running, thank you,” Marner said. “I’m grateful for every conversation, every moment of support, and every bit of belief you showed me along the way.”

Marner then ended his post.

“As I prepare for what comes next, I leave a different person than I was at 18,” Marner said. “I’ll always be grateful for my time here, and most of all, I’m so proud to have been a Toronto Maple Leaf.

“With heartfelt thanks, Mitch Marner.”

tkoshan@postmedia.com

X: @koshtorontosun