Auston Matthews will miss Mitch Marner (Image via: Getty Images) Mitch Marner’s blockbuster move to the Vegas Golden Knights has been one of the biggest NHL headlines of the summer. The former Toronto Maple Leafs star officially signed an eight-year, $96 million contract on July 1, ending his nine-season run in Toronto. While fans continue to process the departure, his longtime teammate Auston Matthews finally shared his thoughts, offering a heartfelt yet professional response.
Auston Matthews breaks silence on Mitch Marner’s Golden Knights exit
At the Hockey Night in Brampton charity event, Auston Matthews addressed Marner’s exit for the first time. The Maple Leafs captain said, “We’ll obviously miss him, he’s a great friend and great teammate. That’s kind of the business side of it, that’s tough, but wish him nothing but the best. We’ll just keep it moving,” showing respect for his former linemate while preparing to lead Toronto into a new era.Marner, on the other hand, had no hesitation about his decision. He revealed that Vegas was very high on his list of preferred destinations and expressed gratitude for the opportunity. For the 28-year-old winger, the chance to join a Stanley Cup-winning franchise and settle into Nevada’s thriving hockey atmosphere was simply too good to pass up.
How Mitch Marner defined an era in Toronto
During his nine-year tenure with the Maple Leafs, Mitch Marner cemented his place among the franchise greats. With 741 points in 657 games, he ranks fifth all-time in franchise scoring and consistently led Toronto in offensive production. Despite his impressive numbers and three NHL All-Star selections, Marner admitted it was “very hard” to leave his hometown team without delivering a Stanley Cup.His emotional farewell post on Instagram reflected that regret, noting that representing Toronto was about community pride. Still, the allure of Vegas’ winning culture and a fresh start proved decisive in shaping his future.
Toronto Maple Leafs’ path without Mitch Marner and Vegas Golden Knights’ future with him
While Vegas gains an elite playmaker in his prime, Toronto faces the challenge of filling a massive void. Nicolas Roy, acquired in the trade, adds depth, but the pressure falls on Matthews and the core to elevate their game. Despite a crushing playoff exit last season, Matthews remains optimistic, stressing that the bar remains high for the 2025-26 campaign.Also Read: Mike Sullivan’s New York Rangers likely to test bold experiment with $68M forward Mika Zibanejad on wing beside J.T. MillerWith Mitch Marner chasing a Stanley Cup in Vegas and Auston Matthews steering a reshaped Maple Leafs lineup, the 2025-26 NHL season is shaping up to be one of compelling storylines, renewed rivalries, and no shortage of drama.