Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has finally weighed in on Mitch Marner’s departure, calling it a tough reality of the business side of hockey.
Marner, 28, was shipped to the Vegas Golden Knights in late June in a sign-and-trade deal that brought Nicolas Roy back to Toronto. Vegas wasted little time signing the winger to an eight-year, $96 million contract.
The move ended nearly 10 years of Marner playing alongside Matthews as one of the Leafs’ offensive cornerstones.
Auston Matthews Breaks Silence on Mitch Marner Trade to Vegas
Speaking at the annual Hockey Night in Brampton charity game, Matthews admitted it won’t be easy to adjust without his longtime linemate.
“We’ll obviously miss him,” Matthews said. “He’s a great friend, great teammate. That’s kind of the business side of it; that’s tough. Wish him nothing but the best. We’ll just keep it moving.”
“We’ll obviously miss him, he’s a great friend and great teammate. That’s kind of the business side of it that’s tough, but wish him nothing but the best. We’ll just keep it moving.”
Auston Matthews on the departure of Mitch Marner… 👀 pic.twitter.com/S1GQcsfTGs
— BarDown (@BarDown) August 20, 2025
Marner leaves after posting a career-high 102 points last season and spending nine years with the organization. Drafted fourth overall in 2015, he arrived a year before Matthews went first overall in 2016. Together, they became the faces of Toronto’s rebuild and staples on the top line.
On this day in 2015, the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Mitch Marner fourth overall pic.twitter.com/8JCdQneoj2
— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) June 25, 2025
Their regular-season numbers were elite, but the playoffs told another story. Despite nine straight appearances, the Leafs managed only two series wins.
That playoff frustration weighed heavily on management and likely influenced the decision to deal Marner before he could walk in free agency next summer.
General manager Brad Treliving ensured the team didn’t lose Marner for nothing. By acquiring Roy and freeing up cap space, Toronto had room to bring depth forwards with Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, and Michael Pezzetta.
Toronto Maple Leafs offseason so far:
IN:
Nicolas Roy
Matias Maccelli
Dakota Joshua
Henry Thrun
Michael Pezzetta
Travis Boyd
Vinni Lettieri
Benoit-Olivier GroulxOUT:
Mitch Marner
Pontus Holmberg
Ryan Reaves
Alex Steeves
Matt Murray
Nick AbruzzeseRE-SIGNED:
John Tavares…— NHL Rosters (@NHL_Rosters) August 2, 2025
Matthews acknowledged the shake-up but said he sees opportunity. “A lot of changes, but feeling excited about the guys we brought in and obviously excited about the guys that we have,” he said.
“Guys are going to have to take some steps, but I think that’s a good thing, a good problem to have, so really looking forward to it,” he added.
Matthews Turns Focus to the Season Ahead
Marner’s departure wasn’t the only topic; Matthews also discussed his own readiness for the 2025–26 season after injuries cost him 15 games last year and even affected him during the playoffs. He described his health as “good” heading into camp.
The Leafs open October 8 at home against the Montreal Canadiens, with training camp set for September.
🚨 Official: Maple Leafs 2025–26 schedule
Key dates:
🔹 Opening night: Oct 8 vs. MTL
🔹 Rematch vs. Florida: Jan 8
🔹 First game vs. Vegas: Jan 15
🔹 Marner’s return to Toronto: Jan 23
🔹 Olympic break: Mid-February
🔹 Last game of the season: Apr 15— @MapleLeafs… pic.twitter.com/RrKnLZwf9H
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) July 16, 2025
Matthews stressed that the group needs to be ready from day one. “Every year going into it, I want to be focused; I want to be ready to compete from the get-go,” he said, adding, “Have to be focused, be willing to obviously do whatever it takes to win. Obviously, a hard league to win in, and for us, it’s not getting too far ahead of ourselves, too.”
