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Mitch Marner shares an honest admission about facing the Maple Leafs for the first time since the trade


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Austin Kelly
January 15, 2026  (10:19)
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Dec 20, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Mitch Marner speaks on playing his first game vs the Leafs, and indicates difficult feelings over leaving Toronto.

Speaking ahead of his first game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, former Leaf Mitch Marner discussed what will be the first time that he plays against his old team.
Marner, who spent his first nine seasons as a member of the Leafs, was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade following highly publicized extension talks that indicated that Marner's desire was to leave Toronto, something he said wasn't accurate.
Having spoken in the past on leaving Toronto, Marner has expressed a love for the Leafs and the fans, while discussing negativity from the fanbase as one reason for leaving, wanting a change of scenery.

Mitch Marner speaks on playing the Leafs as a Golden Knight

Mitch Marner says that he's continued to check in with his former Leafs teammates, but that he is returning to Toronto isn't something that has crossed his mind, although he feels once it's done it may be more of a feeling.
Marner spoke on Auston Matthews' record breaking 421st NHL goal that passed Mats Sundin for first all time among Leafs players, saying that he spoke to Matthews and congratulated him on the record.
It was phenomenal. It was really cool. I knew it was gonna happen in a matter of time.

I think everyone saw me congratulate him online but I talked to him after the game and just said 'congrats, what a great milestone'.

He's got his name with all the legends now and above them all, it's a really cool thing and I think it was really cool for all the legends to recognize it and give him his love too
Marner posted a tribute for Matthews on Instagram after the record breaking goal, Marner continuing to follow his old team this season.
While tonight's game will be filled with emotion, Toronto's game in eight days vs Vegas will be much more heated as Marner makes his return to Scotiabank Arena, something almost guaranteed to be emotional.
A positive response from Leafs fans will be unlikely for Marner's return, he may restore fans love when things are said and done, as the case with the Toronto Raptors and Vince Carter, but things will likely be let out as Mitch Marner comes back to face his old team.
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Mitch Marner shares an honest admission about facing the Maple Leafs for the first time since the trade

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