Mitch Marner ready to flip the switch, focus on larger goals ahead for Maple Leafs

Mitch Marner has returned to Toronto and is ready to use his 4 Nations Face-Off experience as a positive moving forward throughout this Maple Leafs’ season. Marner had himself a great tournament, which included two primary assists in Canada’s historic 3-2 overtime win over USA in the final.

Marner spoke to reporters on Saturday ahead of their matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes and opened up about his time with Team Canada, while also emphasizing the quick turnaround as he shifts his focus back to winning games with the Maple Leafs.

“It’s been cool, lots of fun celebrating with everyone, and obviously flip the switch pretty quickly, getting on a plane, getting back here, and getting ready for a game,” Marner said.

Marner started his tournament off by scoring the overtime winner in Canada’s opening game against William Nylander and Team Sweden, and capped the two-week event off by getting a pass by Auston Matthews to a wide open Connor McDavid, who made no mistake burying the overtime winner.

“It’s kind of tough in that moment to see. I didn’t know he was on the ice for sure. Just with how they were running their D-zone, that was a tough spot for their d-man and their centreman in that spot, to decide who was going to challenge that. I just tried to get it on and off my stick as quick as I could, do a little jab-step up the ice, and find that quiet ice for Connor.”

It was unfamiliar territory for Marner and Matthews, who have become the best of friends in their time together in Toronto, then faced off in some of the most heated hockey they’ve ever played. Marner was asked about how the two Leafs’ superstars have handled the last couple of weeks, and especially after the historic final.

“It’s been great. We flew in yesterday, we just talked about the tournament, how much fun it was, and how taxing it was on the body, and how every game wasn’t an easy one. Tension was pretty high the entire competition.”

“We just enjoyed the tournament, and have talked about how much fun it was, and talked about looking forward to getting back to Toronto, and take on bigger things now.”

Marner and Matthews now shift their focus to the final 27 games of the Maple Leafs’ season. A heated rivalry under their belts, and a stern focus to flip the switch, and perhaps flip the narrative come Stanley Cup Playoffs.