Apology and bold statement by one of Mitch Marner's biggest media critics surprises Leaf Nation

Paul Bissonnette has been one of the biggest critics of Mitch Marner in the past but has come forward with not just an apology but with a huge prediction.

Former NHL and co-host of Spittin Chiclets Paul Bissonnette does not hold back when it comes to his opinions on players and teams. One player he has laid into before has been Toronto's Mitch Marner.

He has also always supported Marner as well. But this time Biz comes forward with an apology for always being hard on Marner. In fact, he takes it a step further by publicly saying that he feels this will be Marner's year to win the Art Ross Trophy.

He did not just apologize to Marner but to his father and truly believes that in addition to the scoring title, Marner could win the Selke Trophy as well for best forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game.

The Maple Leafs forward is in the last year of his six-year, $65.41 million contract without an extension in place at this time. He will become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Last year, Marner was able to put up 85 points in 69 games played. Where he seemed to disappear, was in the playoffs. Marner has produced a point per game average of the last six years for the Maple Leafs.

For now, it appears that both Marner and Toronto are fine with letting the season unfold and worry about an extension or contract during or after the season, prior to free agency. This will be Marner's chance to play big, especially if there is a post-season run by the Leafs and prove his value.

It is good to see Bissonnette apologize, and further make some bold predictions for the forward. This season we will see if Biz is on point, and Marner can produce what he is capable of.

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