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Mitch Marner was met with jeers from visiting Maple Leafs supporters during his recent game in Las Vegas.
The forward for the Vegas Golden Knights could find himself needing hearing protection ahead of Friday’s game start at 7 p.m. ET.
This acclaimed attacker is set to visit Toronto as an opposing player for the first occasion since his departure from the Original Six team – which he supported in his youth and was drafted fourth overall by in 2015 – occurred last summer.
“Mitch contributed significantly to this city,” commented Scott Laughton, the Maple Leafs winger obtained from the Philadelphia Flyers before last season’s trade deadline. “He performed exceptionally well for this squad for an extended period. I only had the chance to play alongside him briefly, but he accomplished many positive things.
“I am confident it will be boisterous.”
Such a reception is virtually guaranteed the moment Marner and the Golden Knights step onto the ice for pre-game preparations at Scotiabank Arena. Nonetheless, the athlete remains a memorable figure in the locker room just down the corridor from his Friday staging area.
“He made substantial contributions here for the Leafs, both as an athlete and an individual,” stated Toronto head coach Craig Berube, whose squad is currently outside the Eastern Conference playoff contention.
“He was very active in the community and consistently played impressive hockey.”
His departure, however, left many feeling dissatisfied.
Marner’s protracted exit from his adoptive home — the Thornhill, Ont., native possessed a complete no-movement clause — as July 1st and unrestricted free agency approached, concluded when the Maple Leafs transferred him to the Golden Knights via a sign-and-trade agreement. This deal secured an additional year on an eight-year, $96-million US contract extension. Toronto received supporting forward Nicolas Roy in exchange.
‘Welcome the opposition’
“I anticipate an incredible turnout,” commented Brandon Carlo, a Maple Leafs defenceman who also spent under half a season playing alongside Marner. “This is a significant game for us in every sense, and with Mitch now on the opposing team, having been such a vital part of our squad for so long, it will be enjoyable to contend against him.
“Accept the contest.”
Marner achieved a personal best of 102 points during the 2024-25 season playing for Toronto and exceeded 90 points three other times. His tenure ended with a total of 741 points (221 goals, 520 assists) across 657 regular-season matches. However, he frequently drew sharp criticism for continuous playoff disappointments within a team featuring other well-compensated offensive stars like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares.
“He was part of this team for a considerable duration,” stated Carlo, who himself revisited Boston in November to play against the Bruins after his acquisition by Toronto in March. “My hope is that he simply arrives and capitalizes on the chance to cherish all the experiences he created during his time here.
“He will certainly have an added bounce in his stride.”
The Maple Leafs first encountered Marner last Thursday when the Golden Knights secured a 6-5 overtime win on the Las Vegas Strip.
“It felt unusual to observe him playing as a center and directing the power play from a [defensive] position,” remarked Maple Leafs netminder Joseph Woll, whose erstwhile teammate contributed two assists that evening. “He covers the entire rink. He sported some stubble. He’s clearly enjoying fatherhood. It was pleasant to see him and chat briefly.
“It will be beneficial for him to be back at the arena.”
Marner had accumulated 12 goals and 39 assists, totaling 51 points in 48 games, before Thursday’s contest in Boston, preceding what is sure to be an emotionally charged evening in Toronto.
“I would anticipate a cordial reception,” Woll further commented regarding the crowd’s response. “He possesses solely positive recollections from his time here. I believe the supporters have also shared many pleasant memories with him. He’s an excellent person. It’s regrettable he’s no longer part of our squad, but I view hockey as an environment of deference, and I hope the fans will show him respect. I cannot speak for all individuals, as I am unaware of everyone’s sentiments.
However, from having played alongside him, I can attest he has always been an extraordinary individual.”
