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“Why everyone all over this kid”: Zach Bogosian comes in defense of $65.41M Maple Leafs’ star
Former Toronto Maple Leafs star Zach Bogosian has come to the defense of Mitch Marner. The player has been much-maligned recently, but his former teammate has spoken out in support. Marner is on a six-year, $65.41 million deal, which only adds to the scrutiny he's under, but Bogosian has his back.
“I’ve spent significant time with him," Bogosian said. "I’ve been with him through the wins and the losses. When you have a guy like that, with that skill set, who legitimately loves the organization and bleeds blue and white… I don’t really understand why everyone’s all over this kid. He works hard. He cares.”
Bogosian currently plays for the Minnesota Wild.
Marner has been a crucial player for the Leafs for several seasons, but he appears to be facing a lot of criticism from all sides. At least one person has his back, however.
Maple Leafs coach admits mistake with Mitch Marner
Mitch Marner played 26 minutes in a game last week against the Boston Bruins. It was a significant amount of time on the ice, something not seen by too many players all that often.
Head coach Craig Berube said it was a mistake overusing Marner.
"I overused him last night, but with penalty kill and overtime, it got a little extended," Berube said via Maple Leafs Hot Stove. "That is on me to try to work that a little bit more. I have to not use him so much on the penalty kill, but he is an extremely good penalty killer."
For the season, Marner is averaging a little over 21 minutes of ice time. Captain Auston Matthews is right around 20 minutes.
"That is a good number, depending on the night. With all-situations guys like that, they have PK, PP, and five-on-five responsibilities. They are going out there against the best lines every night. They are going to get work," Berube said.
Marner poured in three assists in that 26-minute game, which was a 4-3 loss to the Boston Bruins.
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