A change of scenery can prompt reflection, especially for NHL players adjusting to new routines. For Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner, this season has mixed hockey duties with personal adjustment.

With Christmas over and the New Year nearing, those changes feel clearer, shaping a different holiday experience in a new city.

Mitch Marner Reflects on His First Christmas After Joining the Golden Knights

Marner’s first season in Vegas has included several adjustments, and the holidays highlighted another part of that shift. After spending his entire NHL career in Toronto, celebrating Christmas away from home naturally felt different, even if the transition came with its own comforts and sense of ease.

Speaking with Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Marner pointed out the contrast between the two cities, saying, “It’s a little chillier, a little snowy (in Toronto),” before adding with a laugh, “No golf courses are open. You got to go to a simulator or something.”

Despite those differences, Marner made it clear that the move itself has been manageable. “I think at times it feels like home. At times, you feel like you’re in a different place,” he said. “Regardless, it’s been easy. It feels great. We’re very lucky and fortunate to be here.”

The move to Vegas followed a difficult ending in Toronto, where Marner spent nine seasons with the Maple Leafs. In an August interview with TSN’s Mark Masters, he looked back on the final stretch of that tenure, which ended after a second-round playoff loss to Florida.

“Obviously, Game 1 and 2 went amazing against Florida… Game 3 to 5 went really bad. 3 was actually a really good game, went to overtime, and they scored late to win it. But we lose Game 7… in a non-enjoyable way of all time, probably,” Marner said.

While the playoff loss was tough to process, what followed away from the rink was more worrying. Marner shared that shortly after returning home, his father-in-law alerted him to a serious safety concern involving the family, which led to additional security measures.

“The market’s very passionate… they love their team… I know it, I was born and raised there, been a part of Leafs Nation for a long time,” Marner added. “But when your family’s safety comes into question, especially having a new son, I don’t think it’s acceptable.”

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That experience helped frame Marner’s move to Vegas. He signed an eight-year, $96 million deal as part of a sign-and-trade in July. On the ice, he has quickly become a key part of the Golden Knights’ lineup, logging heavy minutes, contributing on special teams, and consistently driving offense.

For Marner, this season is about more than numbers or standings. It shows his adjustment to a new team, a more settled routine, and day-to-day life as the season continues.