Mitch Marner Hit with Life-Changing News Just Before Crucial Round 2 Series

With Toronto heading home to face Florida on Monday night in Game One of the second round, the team took the ice on Sunday for a full practice after they put out an optional practice on Saturday that was filled with some regulars preparing for the clash ahead.

One player who wasn't there however was Mitch Marner. The star forward was pivotal in the first round and the Maple Leafs are going to need to have him at his best all series, and him missing practice initially looks like a bad sign.

However, he was gone for a much more important reason than hockey.

He just became a new father.

The Toronto Maple Leafs official PR account announced that Marner and his wife Stephanie were expecting a child on Sunday and with the birth happening, it's only right that Marner eschews practice for such a pivotal moment in his life.

There's often a conversation around whether or not an athlete should miss a practice or game due to these types of events, however life is bigger than the game, and more often than not a coach or executive will grant the player the time needed to attend to their family.

Who knows, this could potentially end up being a huge motivating factor for the forward, as a Stanley Cup berth (no pun intended) would not only cement his legacy in Toronto, but it could convince him this is where he needs to stay for his career.

While there's no doubt that Marner will end up playing on Monday night, his focus is going to be on making sure his newborn and wife are as comfortable as possible, though there's also no question she also understands he needs to be a part of the team.

It was a topic of conversation earlier in the season with all of the contract speculation, with many wondering if Marner was going to up and leave the city with a newborn and a solidified life in order to head elsewhere to get a bigger payday.

It's understandable why he would want to make the best possible life for his family, but he's not only set for life here, but his legacy in Toronto (especially with a Cup win) would pretty much allow him free reign in the city it feels like. He'd be hailed as a hero, and would instantly vilify himself by leaving.

But for now, all we can hope is that Mitch, Stephanie, and their newborn child is healthy, and they can all share this beautiful moment together.

Monday however it's back to business, and maybe Marner and the Leafs can make another beautiful moment too.