Sipu Jha
The sound of skates hitting fresh ice still feels familiar to Mitch Marner, even if the colors around him no longer are. For the first time in his NHL career, Marner wakes up without the weight of a city that watched him grow up, cheered his every rush, and questioned his every playoff exit. The move to Vegas has changed his daily rhythm, but it has not erased the imprint Toronto left on him.The past six months have felt like a reset rather than an escape. Marner is no longer skating under the familiar glare of hometown expectations, yet the memories travel with him. New colors, new teammates, and new routines have given him space to reflect on what nine seasons with the Maple Leafs truly meant, and what still lingers as he charts the next phase of his career.
Mitch Marner confronts Maple Leafs questions as memories of his Toronto roots resurface
Growing up in the Toronto area, Marner did not just dream of the Maple Leafs. He lived them. Drafted fourth overall in 2015, he stepped into a role that blended hometown pride with relentless expectation. Each shift carried hope, and every playoff loss magnified scrutiny that followed him beyond the rink.That environment eventually became heavy. Years of frustration, nonstop attention, and concerns that reached beyond hockey pushed Marner toward a difficult exit. Now in Vegas, his competitive focus is straightforward. “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.” The statement was firm, not emotional.What lingers most is family. The everyday comfort of being close is gone, replaced by planning and screens. “Now, it’s more FaceTime calls and trying to book trips and plan times for people to come out and visit you,” Marner said. Sundays are reserved for long video calls, a small ritual that keeps him anchored. “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,” he added.On the ice, the change has unlocked growth. Marner has taken on more responsibility at center, a role that remained limited in Toronto. With 46 points in 44 games, his comfort is rising with each week.Vegas meets Los Angeles next, followed by a matchup that will draw heavy attention. When Mitch Marner faces Toronto again, it will not be about looking back. It will be about how far he has already moved forward.Also Read: Connor McDavid’s father reveals the hidden mindset fueling the Oilers captain’s jaw-dropping career-high scoring streak
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