Mitch Marner shares private chat with John Tortorella amid outside noise
Mitch Marner has addressed the early doubts around his partnership with the new Vegas Golden Knights head coach, John Tortorella. The NHL star has revealed a direct and honest conversation that helped settle outside noise. Speaking during an NHL on ESPN broadcast, reporter Stormy Buonantony shared insight into their first interaction after Tortorella took charge of the Golden Knights.
Questions had surfaced about whether the demanding coach would clash with Marner’s style. Instead, Tortorella addressed it immediately, as he pulled Marner aside and told him not to listen to the criticism. “Marner told me, yeah, he saw and heard all of that [noise],” Buonantony said.
“Torts actually pulled him aside and talked about it right away, and I’ll censor the statement, but he said, “Don’t listen to any of the crap people are saying. ” He said, “I’m here to help you. ” MORE: Vegas Golden Knights’ coaching shake-up fuels Stanley Cup talk Marner responded positively.
He said the coach expects hard work, smart decisions, and full focus. He believes those are already part of his game. “Marner told me, “Yes, Torts wants hard work.
He wants you to be dialed in. He wants you to be smart with your decisions. ” And he said, “I like to think I bring those things to the table.