Marner talks Tavares, Maple Leafs in Q&A with NHL.com
Forward also discusses charity work, relationship with former cancer patient
Tavares, 27, signed a seven-year, $77 million contract as a free agent with the Maple Leafs on July 1.
Coach Mike Babcock said his initial plans are to play Tavares, a center, on a line with wings Marner and Zach Hyman, a scenario which understandably has Marner pumped for the start of the season.
"I'm very excited," Marner said. "He's a guy you saw on TV while you played minor hockey and a guy you looked up to. He brings so much talent, skill and leadership to our team."
But Marner, 21, has been exhibiting his own leadership skills this offseason, especially within the community.
He was quick to reach out through Twitter (@Marner93) on Sunday to those affected by the shootings in the Greektown area of Toronto, where two people died and 13 were injured.
"Shocked and saddened to hear about the shooting on the Danforth. Thoughts go out to the loved ones of those affected. When one of us is hurting, we all are. #TorontoStrong," Marner tweeted.
He is also hosting the Marner All-Star Invitational on Thursday and Friday in Toronto. The charity event, which will include teammates Auston Matthews, Hyman and Connor Brown leading participants in an on-ice skills competition, will raise money for the Marner Assist Fund, which supports organizations that create change for kids and their futures.
In a one-on-one chat with NHL.com, Marner took time to discuss several topics, including the impact of Tavares, the Maple Leafs' goals for 2018-19, and his relationship with a 6-year-old London girl who has cancer.
First off, what was your initial reaction when you found out John Tavares had decided to sign with the Maple Leafs?
"Excitement. I grew up watching him and then played against him the past two years. He ups the talent level of our team, which really benefits us. Now we're stacked up the middle. We're going to be a hard team to beat in the (face-off) circle. Obviously, we want to beat our record last year (Maple Leafs record 105 points) and improve on it every single year and he's a guy that can help us do that."
Mike Babcock said earlier this month his initial plan is to play you on a line with Tavares and Hyman. Thoughts?
"Very exciting. [Tavares] is obviously a great player. He can really put the puck in the net and that's very important for my game, since it's no secret that I like to pass. He also creates a lot of open space and creates a lot of opportunities by doing that, so he's really good at feeding his linemates too. Because of that, I have to be ready to shoot the puck more as well. The bottom line is, we're deep down the middle, so whoever you're playing with, there's a good chance to be successful. I'm very excited to get back on the ice and get a routine going with all the guys."
How much contact have you had with Tavares since he signed?
"I've called him once or twice to tell him how happy I am to have him here. I've texted a couple of times too. Nothing crazy. I know he's got his wedding coming up, so I don't want to bug him too much. He's got a lot of stress with both things going on, getting married and joining a new team. I'm sure I'll be seeing him later in the summer and then we can catch up on things like what he likes to do with the puck and things like that."
There used to be a notion that some players didn't like playing in Toronto because of constantly being in the spotlight. But in the case of you, Tavares, Hyman and Connor Brown, you're all Toronto-area guys who seem to embrace being Maple Leafs. Has Toronto become an attractive destination to play, even for local players?
"We all want the best for this team. Speaking on their behalf, Brown, Hyman and I aren't really shy guys. We like to joke around a lot and get around the neighborhood. Obviously, we know a lot of people around here. It's a lot of fun for us to be here. We want to make the environment of this team where people can come and don't feel the stress of the market around us. We keep stuff in-house between us and trust each other on the ice and in the media. It's been a fun two years. I'm sure no other place is like Toronto. We don't really look at the media or being in the public eye as an issue. Sure, when things happen, they become big. But there's no better place to play, especially when things are going good."
Even at such a young age, you've embraced the community through your charity work like the Marner All-Star Invitational. How did this come about?
"It's always been in my mind to start a charity event of my own. I've been to a lot of them that other players have done and noticed the impact they've had on their respective communities. It's been awesome. When I played junior with [London of the Ontario Hockey League], we'd tour the hospitals and see the impact we'd have on the kids. It's amazing. That's what (marnerassistfund.com) is all about."
Dating back to your London days, you developed a special relationship with Hayden Foulon, 6, a girl who has battled leukemia most of her life. What impact has she had on you?
"That was one of the greatest things to see when I went there to see her. After what she's gone through, what she's fought, and then she still had a smile on her face when she saw me, that lit me up. Obviously, it meant a lot to me as well. She's a warrior. She's someone I'll always talk to and hopefully will be part of her life. She's cancer-free now and that's amazing. She's gone through so much. I'll always be there if she or her family need anything. She's a fighter. She's someone I look up to."
