Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner is ready to face the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first time in his career Thursday night, though he expects his emotions will be heightened.
"Probably excitement, nerves," Marner told The Athletic's Jonas Siegel in December. "I've just gotta remind myself that it's just another hockey game and (to) go out there and just play hockey and don't worry about anything else. Just go out there and have fun with it, because that's when you're at your best."
The Golden Knights acquired Marner from the Maple Leafs in a sign-and-trade this past offseason following a nine-year run in Toronto. Marner racked up 741 points in 657 games with the Maple Leafs - good for sixth in franchise history - but received plenty of scrutiny for a highly publicized contract dispute in 2019 and his postseason struggles.