"Marner for Makar straight up then": NHL fans react to Nathan MacKinnon defending Mitch Marner from criticism over disappointing playoff form 

NHL superstar Nathan MacKinnon came to Mitch Marner's defense after the Toronto Maple Leafs forward faced criticism for his disappointing playoff performances last season.

Despite putting up strong regular season numbers, Marner managed just three points in seven playoff games as the Leafs suffered another first-round exit.

Speaking at the NHL media tour, MacKinnon said:

"Marner gets a lot of flak in Toronto, but he's honestly one of the best players in the league. I play with some of the best players in the league, and then I skate with Marns, and he's right up there with anyone."

MacKinnon referenced training with Marner over the summer alongside stars like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid.

Fans wasted no time responding to MacKenzie's comments on Marner.

One fan quipped:

"Marner for Makar straight up then," referring to a potential trade between MacKinnon's Colorado Avalanche teammate Cale Makar and Marner.

Another fan said:

"oh he's great...maybe one of the best play makers I've ever seen...except he don't show up in the playoffs."

Here are some more reactions from fans on X/Twitter:

"I think most Toronto fans realize that Marner is one of the best players in the league, they are just impatient waiting for that level of talent to show itself in the playoffs when it counts," one fan added.

"Should be able to get a good trade for him then," another fan wrote.

"Garbage time playoff points, Mitch. Seriously under performs in the playoffs, yet he demands top dollar and holds out on his "home town" team...," one fan commented.

"Can’t wait for leafs to reup him and run it back," another fan said.

Mitch Marner and Toronto Maple Leafs taking things slow

Mitch Marner is entering the final year of his current deal and will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024-25 season if not extended.

According to Insider Darren Dreger (via The Hockey News):

"I think they’re in a good place. But I don’t want to misconstrue that, with the belief that an extension is looking, it’s going to happen quickly. I think both sides are okay with that."

It appears Mitch Marner is happy to play out this season while negotiations continue behind the scenes. His agent Darren Ferris has a good relationship with Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving, so the lines of communication remain open.

For now, the focus remains on the coming season, with both sides reportedly comfortable putting contract talks on the back burner.