Mitch Marner opens up about his exchange with William Nylander

Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) plays the puck as Team Sweden forward Joel Eriksson (20) defends in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Mitch Marner opens up about his face-to-face exchange with William Nylander on the international stage

Originally posted on Hockey Patrol | By Austin Kelly | Last updated Feb 15, 2025 12:18 AM ET

William Nylander and Mitch Marner are close teammates on the Toronto Maple Leafs, but facing off on the international stage is a different story. Marner has now shared what was said during their face-to-face exchange.

Mitch Marner didn't hold back in his newfound rivalry with Toronto Maple Leafs teammates Auston Matthews and William Nylander. The pair is split for the 4 Nations Face-Off, with Marner admitting he wants to get under their skin.

Marner had discussed the excitement he had facing Matthews and Nylander as rivals rather than teammates.

"Well, I mean, I think for all of us, every team has a lot of skill and can make a lot of plays," Marner said. "So, it's about staying patient, knowing that none of these games will be easy. You're going to have to work for your chances and make the most of your opportunities. Yeah, it'll be great. It's exciting. We've played against each other before in these kinds of events, so it's always fun to go up against your teammates. There's always a little bit of chirping, so it should be a good one."

With national honors now up for grabs, Marner makes clear he's ready to take on his friends to win.

Marner trolls Nylander as international rivalry intensifies

Mitch Marner tried to get under the skin of William Nylander in Canada's game against Sweden, but Nylander wasn't budging.

According to Marner, after Canada's 4-3 overtime win in the first 4 Nations game against the Swedes, Marner said Nylander kept things quiet between the two.