Last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs took on an old friend in Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights. Although the Leafs lost, Marner looked a bit rattled at times. His two points weren’t exactly stellar plays, and I wouldn’t say he’s the reason the Knights won.
A lot of people thought Marner would be even better in Vegas, myself included. So far this season, he has 49 points in 46 games, which is uncharacteristic of him considering his past success when it comes to putting up points. However, the most bizarre part is that Marner has 11 goals. He’s always been more of a pass-first type of player, but that total is extremely low at this point in the season. Especially for a guy being paid $12.5M.
After a trade and sign in July, many Leafs fans thought that the boys in blue would be better without Marner, due to his inconsistent performances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. So far, that has proven not to be true as the Leafs are currently out of a playoff spot and Vegas is in first place in the Pacific Division.
Something in the water?
Maybe it’s a Toronto thing, because last summer we saw Marner and Matthews split up, and this winter, the Toronto Blue Jays are experiencing similar circumstances. Star infielder Bo Bichette became a UFA after the 2025 season, and it’s unknown whether or not he’ll return to Toronto. Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are essentially the Blue Jays’ equivalent to Marner and Matthews. Two guys that you could build a team around and were expected to bring Toronto a championship together.
Fans likely didn’t think they would ever see their two star players playing against each other, but here we are. Marner had something to prove last night to Brad Treliving and the front office: prove to them that not paying him was a mistake. Some people may say he proved the opposite was true throughout his last contract with Toronto.
Something to look forward to
The best part is, we’re getting another Marner vs Matthews matchup within the next week. Marner’s long-awaited return to Scotiabank Arena is not far away, on January 23rd. This could be a Johnny Gaudreau vs. Calgary type of situation where the fans initially aren’t very forgiving.
In past years, Marner cemented himself as one of the best Leafs players of all time, in my opinion. Sure, he didn’t perform up to the standards fans expected in the playoffs, but why should he be the scapegoat for why the core four era was a failure? In a previous article, I said that Kyle Dubas should receive the majority of the blame, and I stand by that statement. He had the keys to a dynasty and fumbled it by paying the stars too young. Basically doing the opposite of the Chicago Blackhawks during their dynasty in the 2010s
If you’re a Leafs fan, think of last night as the “preview” or “prequel” of Matthews vs Marner. Because we’re getting the main event next week! If the reputation that NHL fans have built for themselves continues, I can’t imagine Marner will get much of a warm welcome. Even though he didn’t technically willingly leave Toronto, he probably would’ve left even if the Leafs didn’t trade him. As a result of that, I don’t think Marner will receive the warmest and most forgiving welcome. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see the type of homecoming reception Marner will receive when he returns to Scotiabank Arena to play the Leafs on January 23rd.
The Leafs have other things to worry about
All Leafs fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Mitch Marner for a variety of different reasons. The Leafs are in the heat of a wild-card race in the Eastern Conference, and some of the more unforgiving fans will get a chance to have a therapeutic experience on January 23rd.
I expected Marner to be worse on the Knights. It seemed like Marner ruled the show on the Leafs, even beyond the coaches…to the Leafs’ detriment. Let’s recognize that the Pacific is a weak division and the Atlantic is a much stronger division. Also, that it’s easier to incorporate a high end player than to lose one. The Leafs seem to have figured it out lately though. Agreed about Dubas and additionally, if your RFA stars demand too much too early, it’s time to get tough with them or trade one or more. It is a sign that they will dictate everything and it’s all about them.