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Mitch Marner sounds off on his meeting with Craig Berube at the coffee shop

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Samer Dagher
August 15, 2024 (10:58)

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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner and head coach Craig Berube at the coffee shop

Photo credit: Reddit

Following the Toronto Maple Leafs announcement of Auston Matthews as the 26th captain in franchise history, media members had the chance to speak with several players and team personnel, including Mitch Marner.

In late May, a photo of Marner and newly appointed head coach Craig Berube meeting at a coffee shop in Etobicoke went viral on social media. When asked about it at the NHL Entry Draft in Las Vegas a month later, Berube shrugged it off.

"It's not surprising at all and to be honest with you I forgot about it already," adding, "I don't care; I'm just focused on the player. He's a character guy, a great person. I'm looking forward to coaching him."

On Wednesday, Marner addressed the viral photo for the first time.

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«Craig has been awesome. That one was pretty funny to get out, a little coffee shop in Etobicoke, and there were only a couple of people in there,» Marner recalled. «It's been great talking to him all summer. We're excited for this year, we're excited to get it going. He's been a joyful new mind and we're excited to play under him.»

When the photo was taken, Marner's future with the Leafs was still uncertain. However, it now seems the team plans to keep him as part of their roster for the 2024-25 season.

«We're just excited; it's a lot of the same group that we've had. We know we're a great team, and it's just about making sure every single summer you put the work in, get ready to go, and get geared up for the new one,» Marner said.

Marner also expressed his enthusiasm about working with Berube, the Stanley Cup-winning coach who was named the Leafs' head coach earlier this summer. Known for his no-nonsense approach and ability to get the best out of his players, Berube's hiring has been met with approval within the Leafs' organization.

«Talking with Craig throughout the summer, he's been amazing. He's bringing a great new mindset to the team,» Marner explained. «I talked to a lot of people that have been under his coaching and I've only heard great things. We're very excited to have him and fortunate.»

Marner's comments suggest that the team is ready to embrace Berube's philosophy, which is expected to be a departure from that of his predecessor, Sheldon Keefe. Reflecting on Keefe's departure, Marner acknowledged the challenges but expressed gratitude for Keefe's contributions.

«You know, like every single season, everyone has to look at something and decide if they're going to make changes or not,» Marner said, referring to the coaching transition. «He was amazing when he was here and we were very fortunate to have him. Unfortunately, we just didn't get the job done with him. I wish him all the best in the future.»

With Berube at the helm and much of the core group returning, the Leafs are focused on building on past experiences and taking the next step under new leadership.

Source: The Hockey News�That One Was A Pretty Funny One To Get Out': Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner Reflects on Leaked Coffee Shop Photo, New Head Coach Craig Berube, and the Departure of Sheldon Keefe

Previously on PuckReporter

Nick Foligno sounds off regarding his unfortunate stint with the Maple Leafs

Ken Holland reportedly ignored management's request to sign Broberg and Holloway

Mitch Marner finally gets asked about his future with the Leafs this summer

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