Mitch Marner admitted making the Cup Finals was a huge bright spot in his career after some dark times, and Maple Leafs fans know exactly what he means by that.
Marner has been lights out so far these playoffs. Leading the NHL with 21 points so far, he finally cemented himself as part of the postseason mythos and proved to everyone that not only can he come through in the clutch, but that everything said about him may be a little overblown.
He helped Vegas stun the Colorado Avalanche as well, being critical in their 4-0 sweep of the Central Division Champions and set himself on the course for his first Stanley Cup where frankly; he has a great shot at winning.
That is clearly a breath of fresh air for Marner, a guy who had to deal with a lot of scrutiny and pressure when he was a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Mitch Marner's 'dark times' comments reopen old wounds for Maple Leafs fans
Only making it out of the first round a handful of times, no one could've had the foresight to see just how damaging Marner could be in the playoffs.
He admitted as much as well in his post-game interview.
Marner was extremely passionate on the ice when Vegas was celebrating, but it was his locker room comments that shed a whole new light on his past. Marner confessed that this is such a different feeling compared to the last decade, and he can actually feel like himself without any pressure:
It was a special moment. There's been some dark times in hockey for myself honestly... I'm thankful for my family. That was a moment to just express some joy and fun.
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He clearly didn't have much fun in the last little stretch in Toronto, especially knowing that there was some serious tension between him and the fanbase. It was speculated that Marner needed extra security because fans were getting a little too rambunctious in public, clearly referred to with his dark times comment.
But Maple Leafs fans may also see this as Marner trying to pass the blame onto others, or an excuse considering that now he doesn't have nearly as much pressure or attention - he's successful
The Maple Leafs are ready to prove playing in Toronto isn't as gloomy as days of past
It also comes at a time when the Maple Leafs are going through some serious culture changes, and the symmetry isn't lost on fans.
You have William Nylander personally saying how important Toronto is, how much he loves it, and how dedicated he is to the city. He shows up to sporting events, he actively peruses the city with no issues and someone who flat out said he wants to be here.
It's striking that in the same week you have Marner stating one personal side where everything was miserable, scary and dark meanwhile Nylander has always seen the positive, extends his passion to the fans, and it's obvious where their mentality lies.
Marner's moved on, Nylander's bought in.
You also have a slew of front office changes, a new coach, the first overall pick, the AHL affiliate fighting for a championship; this isn't a team of inaction anymore. We're seeing changes and progress in real time.
Though there's bright lights in Vegas, Marner doesn't necessarily have that big-time pressure, nor does he have a team that is improperly balanced. The Golden Knights are as deep as anyone can be, and they don't just have stars picking up the slack.
Marner wasn't wrong though when he said there were dark times. Heck, if anyone knows that it's the entire Maple Leafs team and fan base. It's pretty evident considering the team failed to win the Cup.
Now he's looking ahead to a much brighter future but he's going to need his head on a swivel soon if Toronto has any say in it.
Their future holds just as much hope and they could be knocking on Marner's door a lot sooner than he expected.
Are you happy that Mitch Marner is finally in the Stanley Cup Finals?
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