TORONTO (AP) – Mitch Marner experienced a chilly – and loud reception – during his return to Toronto.
The Vegas Golden Knights winger was greeted with boos even before he touched the puck Friday night at Scotiabank Arena, marking his first game back in Toronto since his drawn-out split from the Maple Leafs last summer.
The crowd’s jeers intensified as Marner got involved on the game’s opening shift, followed by cheers when he left the ice.
The Maple Leafs paid tribute to Marner, who spent nine seasons in Toronto rooting for the team he loved as a kid, during the first television timeout. The 40-second video tribute brought a mix of boos and cheers as many fans stood up. Marner raised his right arm and tapped his chest in acknowledgment while Vegas was already ahead 2-0.
Drafted fourth overall in 2015, Marner found plenty of success during regular seasons with the Maple Leafs but faced heavy criticism in hockey’s biggest media market for Toronto’s struggles to advance in the playoffs.
A slow exit from his de facto hometown last season ended when the Maple Leafs traded him to Vegas in a sign-and-trade deal that secured Marner an eight-year, $96 million extension.
“I don’t want to look back,” Marner said during a morning media session at the team’s downtown hotel. “If you look back, you’ll not focus on what’s in front of you.”
The 28-year-old star was also asked about the video tribute.
“I’m sure it’ll really hit once it starts going,” said Marner, who had two assists against Toronto in a 6-5 overtime win for Vegas last week.
Wearing his junior number – a golden No. 93 honoring former Maple Leafs legend Doug Gilmour, which is retired in Toronto – helmetless Marner went through his usual warm-up routine. Some fans booed as he came out of the tunnel, while others near the glass held up supportive signs.
Marner seemed to share a friendly moment with Maple Leafs defenseman and former teammate Jake Mc Cabe at center ice.
Marner mentioned that family would be present for his return and had recorded 12 goals and 40 assists for 52 points across 49 games leading into Friday’s match.
His new team is comfortably positioned for playoffs atop the Pacific Division standings, while Toronto entered play three points out of contention for an Eastern Conference playoff spot.
“It’s not as chilly,” Marner said about life in Las Vegas. “But playing-wise, both passionate fan bases have lots of love for their teams. The media aspect is a bit smaller here, but both fan bases are fantastic.”
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AP NHL: https://apnews. com/hub/nhl
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