It sounds like the guy was fleeced. The question is whether someone in the Knights upper echelon was aware of the gaff, knew the original was 'loaned' to the hockey hall of fame and came up with a creative solution.
Of maybe just the work of a creative merch guy ?
The buyer may well have a legitimate beef, but I think once the team offered to fetch him an authentic game worn ( and Memorial Cup worn ) Marner jersey, the guy should have taken it, as that is what he was after all along. He could then ***** to his wife, kids , drinking buddies, work mates neighbours, but he would have the jersey and life could go on for him .
By brining this thing public, he's likely become persona non grata at the Bud, meaning he'll never get to watch another home game 'live' of his so called favorite team.
He will likely not win the lawsuit and it will cost him plenty to try. Turning into a lose- lose for him , I'd think. And now that he has filed his suit, there's not a snowballs chance in hell the Knights are handing over said jersey, unless and until a court orders the to do so.
I've got to side with the Knights on this one.
Oh and Marner ? He's likely already been advised to have no contact with this guy. Ever .
And my two cents worth. I do not think any Mitch Marner jersey is, or will be worth $3,500 dollars , any time soon.
I've got a few 'poor man's " somewhat authentic, though not verifiable" jerseys of my favorite Attack players. They may not be game worn ,but I know the player has at least touched them !
I go pick out a jersey at the Attack Shack, get it lettered and ask the nice girls to kindly get the player to sign it for me. They've always obliged , and at no additional cost to me. The outlay was always under $200 dollars.