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Mitch Marner Once Revealed Valuable Advice From Ex-Leafs Teammate
Mitch Marner once shared some valuable advice he received from his former Toronto Maple Leafs teammate, Joe Thornton. Marner credited the guidance for helping him gain perspective and better deal with scrutiny.
The two were teammates during the 2020-21 NHL season, which was shortened to 56 games due to the pandemic. That year, Thornton joined the Leafs on a one-year contract to bring veteran leadership. The team had suffered heartbreaking first-round exits in the seasons prior and faced criticism for not meeting expectations.
In a 2023 interview with VIBE 105.5FM Toronto during his charity event, Marner reflected on Thornton’s impact. He said that the former San Jose Sharks captain helped shape his outlook on hockey.
Marner recalled Thornton’s optimistic personality and how it influenced his early years in the league. His advice was to not dwell on losses or negativity and the importance of moving forward, regardless of setbacks.
“[Thornton] gave me some good [advice], so did Patty Marleau,” Marner said. “With ‘Jumbo’, it just was every day positive, happy, just like a child. Enjoy everything and take everything in.”
Marner emphasized how Thornton’s infectious attitude made a lasting impact. The veteran’s mindset was to enjoy the process and remain positive.
Mitch Marner Says He Shares Joe Thornton’s Advice to Younger Players
Marner, now a seasoned NHL veteran, also reflected on how he shares Thornton’s advice with younger players. With his impressive skill set and status as an NHL All Star, he has become a role model for many aspiring players.
The excitement surrounding his Marner Assist Foundation charity events in Vaughan, Ontario, was evident. At these events, young players and fans have been able to interact with Marner and seek advice.
Marner echoed Thornton’s philosophy of maintaining positivity and staying level-headed. He highlighted the importance to looking at setbacks from a different lens.
The 28-year-old explained that he advises younger players to appreciate the journey, reminding them that nothing is guaranteed.
“That’s what I always say, just enjoy every moment. Have a lot of fun at every moment [you can], you don’t know when it could be your last,” Marner said. “Just have fun with everything going on and enjoy the process, enjoy the moments. Regardless of the situation, just try to always see he positives and make sure you’re working to [achieve your goal].”
Thornton Praised Marner During Maple Leafs Tenure
Although Joe Thornton’s time with the Toronto Maple Leafs was brief, he left a lasting impression. At 41-years-old, he was placed on the top line with Marner and Auston Matthews to begin the season.
It gave him a chance to play alongside two of the Leafs’ most offensively gifted players. After a 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators, Thornton praised his linemates and shared his excitement about playing with them.
The former Sharks captain said he felt joy, while adjusting to the Leafs’ duo.
“It’s been so fun with [Marner] and [Matthews],” Thornton said. “We have a lot of fun out there and I think we’ll keep growing as a line because we are having fun and we get excited before every game. And I think you can tell each game we’re getting better and that’s a real good sign, but yeah, I love playing with those two kids.”
Giancarlo Aulino Giancarlo Aulino is sports writer who covers UFC for Heavy.com. He began writing for Heavy in 2025 after providing MMA coverage for Sportskeeda. Giancarlo is an experienced journalist and interviewer, having covered soccer clubs Toronto FC and York United FC as a full-season reporter, and also producing sports coverage for Toronto radio station VIBE 105.5FM.
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