NHL & Gary Bettman Face Criticism From Analyst for Decision With Mitch Marner

   

The NHL had the chance to schedule a blockbuster showdown for Mitch Marner's return to Toronto, and now, they've been called out for not doing so.

This off-season we've seen very little drama or massive player movement, with the only shocking move being Mitch Marner's departure from Toronto as he joined the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade.

Unsurprisingly, his return to Toronto is going to be a massive story, and for the biggest hockey market in the world, the matchup will draw plenty of passion from Toronto fans and plenty of attention from others around the hockey world.

Somehow, the league have waited until late January to schedule the first matchup between the two teams, and now, JayonSC has called the league out for not scheduling the matchup on a Saturday, although it will still take place on a Friday.

I think it's a massively missed opportunity.

It should have been on a Saturday night, this is about showbusiness. This is about building it up, it's the biggest hockey market in the world, and this will be the biggest story in the regular season in Toronto bar none.

Reports: Leafs F Mitch Marner headed to Vegas on 8-year deal | Reuters

Ultimately, whenever Maple Leafs fans see Mitch Marner in person they'll bring the hatred and the passion that Toronto fans are known for, but it's easy to see why this was a missed opportunity from the NHL as Gary Bettman continues to draw heat for the way the schedule is done.