When the Maple Leafs played in Las Vegas last week, Mitch Marner faced boos from the team’s fans. As the Vegas Golden Knights prepare to visit Toronto on Friday at 7 p.m. ET, Marner might want to consider bringing earplugs. This will be his first game back in Toronto since leaving the team he grew up cheering for to join the Golden Knights in the summer after being drafted fourth overall in 2015.
Maple Leafs winger Scott Laughton, who joined the team from the Philadelphia Flyers last season, acknowledged Marner’s contributions, stating, “Mitch did a lot for this city. He was a key player for the team for a long time. He made significant contributions during his time here.” The anticipation is high for a boisterous atmosphere when Marner steps onto the ice at Scotiabank Arena.
Despite Marner’s departure, his impact on the Leafs has not been forgotten. Head coach Craig Berube acknowledged Marner’s contributions on and off the ice, praising his performance and community involvement during his time with the team.
Marner’s exit from Toronto was not without controversy as he exercised his full no-movement clause before being traded to the Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade deal. The deal secured an eight-year, $96-million US extension for Marner, with Toronto acquiring depth forward Nicolas Roy in return.
As Marner returns to face his former team, Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo is looking forward to the challenge of competing against his former teammate. Marner had a standout season with the Maple Leafs in 2024-25, recording a career-high of 102 points and consistently delivering strong performances.
The Maple Leafs faced Marner for the first time last week in Las Vegas, where the Golden Knights secured a 6-5 overtime victory. Despite the competitive nature of the game, Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll expressed hope for a warm welcome for Marner from the Toronto fans, emphasizing the positive memories and experiences shared with the talented forward.