Vegas Golden Knights player says teammate faced unfair treatment in Toronto

Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel said teammate Mitch Marner was treated unfairly while playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Eichel spoke at Stanley Cup Final media day in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Monday. "Anybody that has negative or bad things to say about him, obviously I disagree with, because I think highly of him," Eichel said.

Marner leads all players with 21 points in 16 Stanley Cup playoff games. The Golden Knights reached the final for the third time in franchise history.

Marner's career Marner spent nine seasons in Toronto, where postseason performance drew repeated criticism. He described the constant scrutiny as a mental and physical strain. Toronto traded Marner last summer before he reached unrestricted free agency. He signed an eight-year contract with Vegas.

Team statements and context Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon said the organization provided Marner greater depth support than Toronto. "Mitch is playing with tremendous confidence," McCrimmon said. Marner has avoided detailed discussion of his Toronto years during the current playoff run.

He previously noted that the Golden Knights do not turn on teammates during poor stretches. Eichel said both players have discussed past difficulties. Marner declined to address a blocked trade attempt by the Carolina Hurricanes last season.