The former Toronto star is quieting his critics, leading the NHL playoffs in scoring as the Vegas Knights eye the championship
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Mitch Marner, Stanley Cup finalist.
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Let that sink in, for one of the most talented, yet polarizing players in the history of the Maple Leafs, who after nine years of frustration at last made the third and now fourth round of the team trophy hunt deemed the toughest in pro sports.
He’s four wins away, but won’t get that title shot in the harsh Toronto spotlight — rather, as one of many integral pieces of the Vegas Golden Knights, where he bolted last summer.
He could duplicate what Phil Kessel, Nazem Kadri and coach Pat Burns all did after leaving the Leafs under a cloud: Hoist the Stanley Cup.
After plaudits for his teammates following Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche to sweep the Presidents’ Trophy winners in the Western Conference final, Marner’s thoughts turned to his hockey journey.
The first-round pick of the Leafs in 2015 became the fifth-highest scorer in franchise history, but was under fire for lack of production in Leaf playoff appearances, particularly in many heart-breaking elimination games.
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The hot debate — whether Marner was unfairly singled out when the collective Leaf ‘Core Four’ failed — helped lead him to Vegas in a sign-and-trade a year ago. Because Marner blocked at least one trade late in the ‘24-25 season that would’ve helped the Leafs, the narrative among the majority of fans was the team would be better off without him.
But Toronto general manager Brad Treliving miscalculated the loss of the 100-point right winger in regular season, unable to replace him with one player or by committee. Treliving lost his job, the Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time since Marner arrived, and now he’s playing into June.
What Marner said after sweep
“Oh man, so many people (to thank),” Marner told Sportsnet after Tuesday’s victory, wearing a conference champions’ ball cap. “Obviously my parents. There have been some dark moments in my hockey career, really. Tough moments where my parents have been beside me and my wife, so many friends and family.
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“I have a lot of love for them, they keep me going and my (year-old) son as well. I’m going to share this with them right now, then get to work and be ready to go (to face the winner of Montreal-Carolina in the final).
“You have to have people around who are amazing and love you and that’s what my parents are to me and my wife, my wife’s parents, my good buddies, people who’ve worked with me through mental stuff.
“It’s never a one-man battle. All the teammates that I’ve had, it’s been a great road and hopefully the road keeps going.”
Marner did not get a point on Tuesday, but played 22:22, a minus one with two shots on net. He continues to top the league in post-season production with 21 points in 16 games, putting him in the Conn Smythe Trophy conversation as playoff MVP.
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