Mitch Marner's highly anticipated return to Toronto as a Golden Knight set for January 23, 2026 showdown
The 2025-26 NHL season will feature no shortage of drama, but one of the most emotionally charged matchups will come when Mitch Marner steps back onto the ice at Scotiabank Arena—this time, wearing a Vegas Golden Knights jersey.
The former Toronto Maple Leafs star is scheduled to return to Toronto on January 23, 2026, marking his first game back since being traded in a blockbuster sign-and-trade deal earlier this offseason.
Mitch Marner's departure from Toronto adds weight to his homecoming game
After spending nine seasons with the Leafs and becoming a core pillar of the franchise, Marner's departure was as heartbreaking as it was inevitable. Drafted fourth overall in 2015, he racked up an impressive 741 points in 657 games, ranking fifth all-time in Leafs franchise history.
Despite his consistent performance, Toronto's inability to make a deep playoff run led to increasing scrutiny—and ultimately, his exit.
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest)
Marner's first meeting against the Leafs will actually take place January 15, 2026, in Vegas. But it's the January 23 return to Toronto that fans have circled in red. This isn't just another regular-season game—it's a reunion, a reckoning, and for many, a reflection on what could have been.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription
Techno Mag
Learn More
Undo
Ryan Reaves defends Mitch Marner
amid harsh fan backlash
While Marner's exit drew mixed reactions across the league, one of his former teammates, Ryan Reaves, came to his defense during a candid appearance on the "Cam & Strick" podcast.
'Mitchie earned the right to go wherever he wants. He's dedicated a lot of his career — his whole career — to Toronto. A hometown guy. He's poured everything he had into it. Sometimes it's just time to move on,' Reaves said.
Ryan Reaves talks Toronto media, Evander Kane rivalry and more
He also didn't shy away from pointing fingers at the Toronto fanbase, hinting that the pressure may have pushed Marner out: 'I think they can be a little ruthless to him.
I guess just because he's the hometown guy, and sometimes fans want to point fingers at somebody.'
Also Read:
Mathew Tkachuk injury fallout: Panthers face major setback as star may need surgery and miss 2026 opener
As the Leafs gear up to face Marner and the Golden Knights, one thing is clear: January 23 won't just be about points in the standings—it'll be about closure, reflection, and the ever-evolving relationship between a city and its fallen hockey hero.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Florida Panthers celebrate National Ice Cream Day with Brad Marchand artwork
Sergei Belski-Imagn Images The Florida Panthers added a scoop of humor to National Ice Cream Day on Sunday by sharing a playful piece of artwork featuring Brad Marchand. The illustration shows the veteran forward serving ice cream, a callback to a viral joke that emerged during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The post celebrated National Ice Cream Day by bringing back a lighthearted meme that fans have come to love. Brad Marchand ice cream meme gets spotlight on National Ice Cream Day To celebrate National Ice Cream Day, the Florida Panthers shared a playful illustration of Brad Marchand cheerfully handing out ice cream. The artwork was posted across the team's social media platforms, capturing the lighthearted spirit of the moment. The image ties back to a humorous moment from the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes, when fans joked that Marchand had been eating a Dairy Queen Blizzard between overtime periods. What started as a funny observation quickly gained momentum online, turning into a quirky part of the team's playoff identity. Panthers' National Ice Cream Day post delights fans and fuels the fun By featuring Brad Marchand in a cheerful ice cream-themed illustration, the Florida Panthers tapped into the meme's popularity while giving fans another reason to celebrate. The post wasn't just clever, it showed how the team continues to engage with its community in playful, creative ways, even in the offseason. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Cash Roadster Undo Social media lit up with reactions, as fans enjoyed the humor and nod to past postseason antics. The post reinforced the strong bond between the team and its community, keeping the off‑season spirit lively and engaging. Moments like these help keep the energy high and the bond between team and fans strong. It was a simple gesture, but one that added another sweet chapter to the Panthers' unforgettable postseason narrative. A playful reminder of how small moments can connect teams and fans The National Ice Cream Day post didn't reference any specific win or title. Instead, it was a fun callback to a moment fans clearly enjoyed during a memorable playoff run. Featuring Marchand in the artwork added to the charm, reinforcing how even the smallest moments can bring fans and teams closer together. By sharing Marchand-themed artwork on National Ice Cream Day, the Florida Panthers showed that team spirit extends beyond the rink. The post blended humor, nostalgia, and creativity, offering fans a sweet reminder of how fun hockey can be, even in the off-season. Also Read: Brad Marchand reacts to 'big 3' tweet with viral photo of Panthers' third line Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
44 minutes ago
- Time of India
Govt's new bill plans setting up of National Sports Board
File photo NEW DELHI: The Union govt is set to introduce a sports governance Bill in the Parliament session starting Monday. It has been drafted as part of India's preparations to strengthen its bid for Olympic Games 2036. The proposed bill, prepared by the sports ministry, has been approved by the Cabinet, which has asked it to come up with a better title for the same. Sources said the bill gains importance considering that sports governance is an important parameter for bid evaluation. Recently, India officially presented Ahmedabad's bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The bill provides for setting up of a National Sports Board (NSB), a central authority responsible for granting recognition to national sports governing bodies (NSGBs) and ensuring compliance. The NSB will have the flexibility and autonomy to prepare requisite guidelines and regulations for governance of sports. The Bill mandates the formation of an athlete committee in each NSGB for representation of athletes. Officials said NSGBs will have five members, including two sportspersons of outstanding merit and two members from the athlete committee, with sound representation of women. The NSGBs will be governed by the Olympic Charter and other regulations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas Undo There will be mandatory representation of sportspersons of outstanding merit and members from the athlete committee in the general body and the executive committee. There is also a proposal in the bill for a National Sports Election Panel for ensuring free and fair elections to NSGBs. Further, to reduce the number of court cases, the Bill proposes setting up of a National Sports Tribunal, which will serve as a single-window system for resolution of disputes. It proposes to allocate Rs 10 crore for setting up the NSB and the tribunal.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
NHL trade rumour: Connor McDavid could stay in Edmonton Oilers after all reveals NHL insider after weeks of speculation
Connor McDavid might end up signing a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers.(Image via Sam Navarro-Imagn Images) Connor McDavid, the Oiler's captain, has mostly stayed silent about signing a contract extension with his team after his contract is about to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season. This has sparked panic among fans as many feel that with losing the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals against the Florida Panthers, Connor McDavid might be motivated to join another team. But Sportsnet's Gene Principe has cleared the air on Connor McDavid's contract situation with the Edmonton Oilers. NHL Insider Gene Principe reveals that there is a high chance Connor McDavid might end up signing a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers A few hours ago, Sportsnet's Gene Principe made an appearance on the popular podcast, Spittin Chiclets where he revealed what Connor McDavid might be thinking about his contract with the Edmonton Oilers. Gene Principe has spoken about how there is a high chance of Connor McDavid signing a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers. Gene Principe said, 'You know, I'm really confident…You know, one of the great questions that he answered was his message to the fans…And he said, 'You know, stick with us, because for all of us, it's going to pay off.'' Gene Principe added, 'To me, that was, 'I'm saying to you and to everybody, stick with it. We got this. We're going to get this, continue to be patient and continue to love us, and I promise you we'll give you the love that you want with the Stanley Cup'. However, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers have not reacted to this yet and have continued to maintain silence around the star player's contract situation with the team. Connor McDavid's surprise appearance at the beer league game has shocked his fans Currently, Connor McDavid has been spending time with his family but also made a recent public appearance that shocked his fans. A few days ago, Connor McDavid made a surprise at the beer league game in Ontario which sent shockwaves across his fans. The Edmonton Oilers' captain mostly likes to maintain a low profile and prefers to stay out of the public eye, which is why his presence was more shocking to his fans. FAQs Has Connor McDavid spoken about signing a contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers? No, Connor McDavid has not yet issued a statement When did Connor McDavid join the Edmonton Oilers? Connor McDavid joined the Edmonton Oilers in 2015 Also Read: Wayne Gretzky's daughter Paulina Gretzky's Hollywood dreams and massive net worth show she's more than just the NHL legend's daughter Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
