Maple Leafs Forward Reflects on Mitch Marner's Return to Toronto

Former Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner will play his first game in Toronto as an opponent when the Vegas Golden Knights visit Scotiabank Arena, and John Tavares understands exactly what the moment will mean for his former linemate.

The two spent years together in the Maple Leafs' top six before Marner was traded to Vegas on July 1 in a sign-and-trade that sent Nicolas Roy back to Toronto. Marner signed an eight-year, $96 million contract with the Golden Knights, ending a nine-year tenure with his hometown team.

When asked about Marner's return, Tavares spoke to the gratitude that comes with playing for an organization that shapes your career. "You spend a large portion of your life, you know, your career; a lot of people make an impact on it, and I know for me, I still am, always will be very grateful for that," Tavares said.

Already Faced Each Other Once

The two teams met January 15 in Las Vegas, where Marner recorded two assists in a 6-5 overtime win for the Golden Knights. Toronto fans in attendance booed the winger throughout the game, offering a preview of what awaits him.

Marner has 12 goals and 52 points in 49 games with Vegas this season after posting a career-high 102 points with Toronto last year. The 28-year-old native of Markham, Ontario has thrived playing alongside Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, helping the Golden Knights climb to first place in the Pacific Division.

Competition Takes Over

Tavares acknowledged that while Marner will surely feel emotions returning to the building where he spent his first nine NHL seasons, the competitive nature of the game eventually takes precedence.

John Tavares on Mitch Marner’s return to Toronto:

“You spend a large portion of your life, you know, your career… a lot of people make an impact on it and I know for me, I still am, always will be very grateful for that. I think there would be a lot of appreciation from him,…
— Anna Dua (@AnnaNoelleDua) January 23, 2026

"So I'm sure there'll be a lot of things that he's feeling, but at the end of the day, both sides, once the puck drops, are trying to get in the flow of the game and compete and go out there and get two points," he said. "I think there would be a lot of appreciation from him, but obviously you put the gear on, and you've got to go there and play."

The Maple Leafs sit two points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and desperately need points down the stretch. Toronto went winless in seven elimination games during the Core Four era with Marner, Matthews, William Nylander and Tavares, reaching the second round just twice in nine playoff appearances together.

Vegas enters Friday riding momentum after climbing out of a December slump. The Golden Knights have positioned themselves as Stanley Cup contenders once again, with Marner playing a key role in their resurgence alongside an already loaded forward group.

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