Everyone was waiting for Mitch Marner to come out. They want to see what the new superstar can do with the Vegas Golden Knights, specifically with his new buddy, Jack Eichel. In fact, City National Arena was packed with people anticipating the elite winger's arrival.
I was one of those people. I sat in the crowd, awaiting the newest Golden Knight to arrive on the scene. Lo and behold, he makes it during the 2 PM session and to the delight of numerous Golden Knights fans. Believe it or not, there was a lighter side to the former "Core Four" member.
He was out hanging his arm around Jack Eichel during the Training Camp practice, buddying it up with his newest linemate. He was also the loudest Golden Knight on the ice, letting out a "WOOO" like Ric Flair whenever a big play happened. He was also darting up and down the ice on the rush with his linemates, Eichel and Barbashev, creating offensive magic.
It was like he was freed from prison after a lengthy sentence. The man did his time and was unburdened by a surveillant media. Now, he was in better hands with adoring fans and a lighter media personnel, feeling like himself again. What a difference a summer makes, especially for an elite superstar like Marner.
Vegas Golden Knights fans should run through a brick wall upon hearing how Mitch Marner did in his first week with the team
Ironically, this isn't the first time the Vegas Golden Knights have taken in a player from a rougher situation. Fans remember when Jack Eichel came from Buffalo and was called all sorts of names.
"OH, HE'S A CANCER!"
"HE WON'T WIN A CUP WITH THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS!"
What happened in 2023? He was hoisting Lord Stanley with the Golden Knights, completing an incredible journey with the team. All it took was going to a team that'd give him the artificial disk surgery he wanted and he was all set. Thank goodness for Kelly McCrimmon and company, because he wouldn't have succeeded with the Buffalo Sabres.
That's the same story with Marner here. He was facing endless pressure from the Toronto media, specifically with the Maple Leafs having no Stanley Cups since 1967. When you've gone decades without a championship in your franchise history, that will eat at you. Add in the fact that you're a hometown boy and the pressure's cooked all the way past 100%.
We're talking about 1,000% here. The weight of the world felt like it was on Marner's shoulders to succeed. He was supposed to be part of an integral group that'd finally lead the Maple Leafs to championship glory. Alas, that time never came, with a tumultuous period of anger and vitriol following in its place.
That's what I took away from Marner's first week with the Golden Knights. Fans saw someone who was much more relaxed and easily bonded with his teammates. It felt like those accusations were false and fabricated by a bitter ex looking for vengeance.
This season's going to be a ton of fun. Marner will certainly agree with that.