The Mitch Marner-Toronto Maple Leafs saga was that of a high-stakes drama. Rumors flew around the now-Vegas Golden Knights superstar like buzzards circling a carcass in Ontario. "Is the Markham native's time with the Maple Leafs running out?" Everyone in the greater Toronto area asked.
Well, it turns out that those fears were confirmed. Kelly McCrimmon worked his magic and got the "Core Four" member for Nicolas Roy, signing him to an eight-year, $12 million AAV deal afterwards. Now? He has 10 goals and 36 assists heading into Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Kings.
But there comes a noteworthy matchup after that Kings matchup. It comes with a reunion against those same Maple Leafs, where he'll become reacquainted with his buddies. Be sure to say hello to Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares for me, eh?
I know it's sacrilegious to look ahead to the next game when you haven't even stepped onto the ice. However, there are too many story lines to pass up for Thursday's colossal matchup between the Maple Leafs and the Golden Knights. After all, this game's on ESPN!
There's going to be plenty to talk about for Marner's first game against his former team. Let's look at how he can have the best revenge game for the Golden Knights and beat his old team.
How Mitch Marner can lead the Vegas Golden Knights to victory against his former club, the Toronto Maple Leafs
First, Marner and the Golden Knights can't take the Maple Leafs lightly here. Toronto has earned points in nine of its last 10 games (7-1-2) entering Wednesday, making them a deadly opponent. For all the jokes about the team turning into the NHL's version of the Chicago Cubs, they're suddenly rediscovering their zest and are figuring things out (still, the Cubs have a World Series title in the past decade).
Therefore, the moral of the story is to tread lightly. But it goes beyond not underestimating your opponent. The Maple Leafs have done an excellent job at neutralizing power plays. In fact, they're third in the NHL for penalty kills entering Wednesday (85.1%). That calls for Marner to go to his options.
If he's looking for someone in the bumper? Better get Tomas Hertl or Mark Stone there. Are you looking to attack the broad side? Find Pavel Dorofeyev flying in. Heck, Jack Eichel is still searching for that first power play goal of the season. Use the weapons you have in front of you and life will be much easier for you and the Golden Knights.
Marner himself must establish his presence early against the Maple Leafs
The past four games entering Wednesday have seen Marner become the premier distributor that everyone expected to see. He has one goal and five assists in that span, making him a scoring threat.
But do you know what would help Marner here? Scoring goals. Some Maple Leafs fans have mocked the former "Core Four" member for his lack of goals this season, for he only had 10 before the Kings game. However, Marner can silence those haters with the same style he had in the last two games, where he has six shots.
If the Golden Knights get the more aggressive Marner against Toronto, they can expect a monster revenge game of sorts. It'll be a good appetizer before the main course hits on January 23. That one will feature boos and burning jerseys outside of Scotiabank Arena.