Marner booed by Leafs fans in Vegas: 'They've got a passionate fan base'
Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner was booed on home ice by Toronto Maple Leafs fans in his first game against his former team on Thursday.
"They travel well, they always have," Marner said after the Golden Knights' dramatic 6-5 overtime victory. "They've got a passionate fan base. They always travel well, especially to Vegas."
The Maple Leafs host the Golden Knights next week for Marner's first game in Toronto as a visiting player.
"I think the great question was always what my expectations were (for Jan. 23), but now I think I know going in," Marner added. "Like I said, they've got a passionate fan base. They've got a lot of love for their team."
The boos are out for Mitch Marner from the Maple Leafs fans in Vegas 👀 pic.twitter.com/8aYbEpfHV3
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 16, 2026
Marner left the Maple Leafs in a sign-and-trade on the eve of free agency this past offseason. He was drafted by Toronto and spent nine seasons with the Maple Leafs. The Markham, Ontario, native ranks sixth in franchise history with 741 points in 657 games. His first game in Toronto as an opponent will be on Jan. 23.
Despite his totals in the regular season, Marner received significant scrutiny for his lack of playoff success, as well as his contract dispute in 2019.
"Once the puck dropped, it just felt like another hockey game out there," said Marner, who had two assists. "Obviously, I know a lot of those guys very well, trying to read off some of the plays and do some of the things that I think they might do. It's a competitive game. You want to always try to beat your buddies."
Jack Eichel tallied the overtime winner. He's experienced plenty of boos when he's played in Buffalo since being traded by the Sabres.
"We know how much it means to him, and because of how much it means to him, it means that much to us as well," Eichel said.
Marner appreciated the support from Eichel and Vegas' captain, Mark Stone.
"Obviously, what Jack has gone through with his time of going back to play his old team, him and (Stone) have kind of felt that," Marner said. "It was great. They knew it was a special one for me, they knew it meant a little more than a usual hockey game. A little embrace there, it was a big goal by Jack. We're pretty fired up."