Mitch Marner Receives Boos, Then Standing Ovation In His Return To Toronto

However, that loud boos turned to cheers and a standing ovation for a few minutes when the Maple Leafs chose to acknowledge Marner’s contributions to the club during the first television timeout.

A 40-second tribute video played on the scoreboard, showing highlights from his rise as a hometown star. Many fans stood and applauded as the video ended. With Vegas already leading 2-0, Marner raised his right arm and tapped his chest in appreciation.

Marner was selected No. 4 overall at the 2015 NHL Draft and had plenty of individual success with the team. However, he also faced severe criticism as the Maple Leafs repeatedly failed to make deep playoff runs. After last season’s second-round playoff exit, Marner chose to enter free agency before he was shipped to Vegas in a sign-and-trade deal.

Mitch Marner Triumphant in Return as Golden Knights Thrash Maple Leafs

Vegas made sure the night ended on a winning note. Mark Stone stole the spotlight with two goals and an assist as the Golden Knights rolled to a 6-3 win. Marner, who had two assists in his previous meeting against Toronto last week, did not record a point against his former team this time.

Jack Eichel added a goal and an assist, Ivan Barbashev chipped in with two assists, and Adin Hill turned aside 18 shots as Vegas snapped a two-game skid.

The game also marked the Golden Knights’ debut of defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who logged over 21 minutes and picked up an assist after arriving in a trade with Calgary last week.