Marner ready to go, but still concerned about virus
It's been over two months since we last saw NHL action and though we as fans internalize the agony of life without playoff hockey, the fact is that the players probably feel it a little more than we do.
In the case of Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner - who was looking forward to a 4th consecutive playoff berth prior to the COVID-19 pandemic that put a halt on the season - he remains hungry for the postseason, yet he is also very concerned about the prospect of the virus impacting the players, referees, staff and fans.
With news of the league prioritizing a return to action - Commissioner Gary Bettman announced on Wednesday that he has not even contemplated cancelling the playoffs - and with players regaining access to club training facilities once again, we could see the action resume this summer. Marner, as well as many others I'm sure, has mixed feelings.
"My thought on this is: OK, I'm all down for starting everything back up, let's rock," Marner�said�on a Twitch stream Wednesday. "But what if someone gets sick and dies? What happens?
"It's awful to think about, but still."
Granted, this fairly grave view may be extreme, but is it really that far of a stretch? Can you blame Marner for raising the question? After all, the vast majority of these players really, truly care about their fans. They certainly care about their families and friends.
Marner did not elaborate on whether he supports a prompt return to action or whether he would personally prefer to have the pause remain until the virus is under control, but his concern is a pretty good indicator that he has the health and wellness of others on his mind.
If and when the puck drops, you can bank on Marner being ready to bring it. But more than Mitch Marner the player, we should acknowledge Mitch Marner the human being for showing concern for others first. After all, hockey is just a game, and some things are more important.
|
YESTERDAY
MAY 16, 2026
| ||||
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Rasmus Dahlin | 1 | 4 | 5 | |
| Tage Thompson | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
| Jack Quinn | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Zach Benson | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Jake Evans | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Jason Zucker | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Ivan Demidov | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Konsta Helenius | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Zach Metsa | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Arber Xhekaj | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Bowen Byram | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Cole Caufield | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Lane Hutson | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Michael Matheson | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Ryan McLeod | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Josh Norris | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Mattias Samuelsson | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Josh Anderson | - | - | - | |
| Zachary Bolduc | - | - | - | |
| Alexandre Carrier | - | - | - | |
| COMPLETE STATS | ||||