Marner anticipates 'excitement, nerves' in 1st game against Leafs

Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner is ready to face the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first time in his career Thursday night, though he expects his emotions will be heightened.

"Probably excitement, nerves," Marner told The Athletic's Jonas Siegel in December. "I've just gotta remind myself that it's just another hockey game and (to) go out there and just play hockey and don't worry about anything else. Just go out there and have fun with it, because that's when you're at your best."

The Golden Knights acquired Marner from the Maple Leafs in a sign-and-trade this past offseason following a nine-year run in Toronto. Marner racked up 741 points in 657 games with the Maple Leafs - good for sixth in franchise history - but received plenty of scrutiny for a highly publicized contract dispute in 2019 and his postseason struggles.

Thursday's game at T-Mobile Arena marks the first of two meetings between the Golden Knights and Maple Leafs in just over a week. Marner will make his highly anticipated return to Toronto on Friday, Jan. 23. He said he's not sure what type of reception he'll receive.

"I have no idea," said Marner, who grew up just outside Toronto. "I had a lot of great years there, a lot of fun. I'm very appreciative of that fan base and the love I got from them for the nine years I was there. We'll see what it's like."

Marner has notched 47 points in 45 games for the Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights this season.