Marner shares his feelings ahead of first game against the Leafs
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Ex-Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner broke his silence before facing his old team for the very first time tonight with his new Vegas Golden Knights teammates.
It's going to be an interesting game tonight between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Toronto Maple Leafs, as it's the first time that ex-Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner will face his old team.
Marner's time with the Maple Leafs came to an end this summer when he was dealt in a major sign-and-trade blockbuster move to the Golden Knights for Nicolas Roy. His new contract was eight years with an AAV (average annual value) of $12 million, a $1.1 million raise over what he made the last several years in a Maple Leafs sweater.
Before the game, he said that even though he's going to be excited, he knows there is still a job to do on the ice.
Probably excitement, nerves. I've just gotta remind myself that it's just another hockey game and (to) go out there and just play hockey and don't worry about anything else. Just go out there and have fun with it, because that's when you're at your best.- Mitch Marner
So far this season in his first year with Vegas, Marner has 47 points (11G, 36A) in 45 games played.
Mitch Marner Will Return To Toronto Later This Month For The First Time Since The Trade To Vegas
Not only is Marner going to face the Maple Leafs tonight at T-Mobile Arena, but he's also going to make his first official return to Toronto on January 23 for the first time since being traded to Vegas.
What kind of reception does he expect from the Maple Leafs fans that cheered him for so many years? He's not sure.
I have no idea. I had a lot of great years there, a lot of fun. I'm very appreciative of that fan base and the love I got from them for the nine years I was there. We'll see what it's like. - Mitch Marner
The January 23 game between the Golden Knights and Maple Leafs is going to be the hottest ticket in Toronto for Marner's return.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 15|263 ANSWERS Marner shares his feelings ahead of first game against the Leafs Who wins a Stanley Cup first? | ||
| Mitch Marner and Vegas | 221 | 84 % |
| The Maple Leafs | 42 | 16 % |
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