Matthews glad Marner got 'some cheers' in return to Toronto

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews was pleased to see his former teammate Mitch Marner receive some admiration from fans during the forward's return to his hometown Friday.

Marner spent nine seasons with the Maple Leafs before departing for the Vegas Golden Knights under acrimonious circumstances this past summer. Friday was his second game against his old club but his first time as a visitor in Toronto. He heard boos from visiting Leafs fans in his new home rink when the Golden Knights hosted Toronto last Thursday.

Despite being booed heavily by the Toronto crowd whenever he touched the puck, Marner received a warmer reception during a first-period video tribute.

"It was nice that there were some cheers for him during the video tribute," Matthews told reporters Saturday, including Anna Dua of Sportsnet. "I think it was kinda done the right way."

As for the jeers while he was on the ice helping Vegas claim a 6-3 win, Matthews said they only helped to foster a better atmosphere inside Scotiabank Arena for the contest.

"There's gonna be the boos when he's on the ice and has the puck and all that stuff," Matthews added. "I think it's pretty expected. ... I thought it was a good atmosphere. I thought it was fun."

Matthews and Marner - close friends and ex-linemates who formed one of the league's most dynamic regular-season offensive duos during their time together in Toronto - were held pointless Friday.

Both teams are back in action Sunday, with the Leafs looking to snap a three-game skid versus the Colorado Avalanche and the Knights visiting the Ottawa Senators.