Mitch Marner’s life has looked very different over the past six months. After spending nine seasons with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs, Marner was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in a blockbuster sign-and-trade deal on July 1, 2025. It marked the first time in his NHL career that he would wear a jersey other than Toronto’s.
Now settled in Vegas, Marner is opening up about how he truly feels about the Leafs and what it’s been like moving on from the team he grew up cheering for.
Mitch Marner Reflects on His Roots in Toronto
Drafted fourth overall by the Maple Leafs in 2015, Marner was living out a childhood dream. He grew up in the Toronto area, played youth hockey there, and quickly became one of the faces of the franchise. But with that connection came enormous pressure.
Years of playoff frustration, constant media scrutiny, and growing concerns about his family’s safety ultimately played a role in his departure from Toronto. While the move was emotional, Marner has been clear about where his focus lies now.
When asked whether he still roots for the Maple Leafs, Marner didn’t hesitate. “I don’t root for any team other than my own,” he said. “I’m only rooting for my team. That’s who I want to win.”
Even so, Marner admits there are parts of life in Toronto that he deeply misses. Having family and close friends nearby was something he never took for granted until it was gone.
“Now, it’s more FaceTime calls and trying to book trips and plan times for people to come out and visit you,” Marner said.
Now, staying connected means FaceTime calls, carefully planned visits, and adjusting to a three-hour time difference. Sunday mornings have become reserved for video chats with loved ones back home, a small routine that helps him stay grounded.
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“That’s the part I think you miss the most is not being around your family as much and not being able to see them every day,” Marner said.
On the ice, Marner is starting to look more comfortable in his new surroundings. Over the last stretch, he has spent significant time playing center, a role he never fully embraced during his time in Toronto. This season, Marner has recorded 46 points in 44 games and continues to grow into a more versatile role with the Golden Knights.
Marner and Vegas will face the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday before a much-anticipated matchup against the Maple Leafs on Thursday.
