You can't help but feel a little bit guilty for Mitch Marner. He returns to ScotiaBank Arena for his first game in Ontario to face the Toronto Maple Leafs. You know, his favorite team growing up. To say that this is a big game is an absolute understatement.
It has some playoff implications, with the Maple Leafs fighting for an Eastern Conference playoff spot. They're looking to make it back to the postseason sans Marner, showing that they never needed their old lover. As for the Golden Knights? They're trying to win back-to-back Pacific Division titles and establish their dominance in the NHL.
Because, you know, that's what winning teams are supposed to do.
Of course, this also has Rasmus Andersson's name all over it, too. Friday will be his Golden Knights debut as he comes to the aid of his new teammate. Will we see staredowns towards rowdy Maple Leafs fans if he scores a goal? Stay tuned.
But one thing's certain. Social media, especially in Toronto, is lighting up. We're getting all sorts of reactions from the general public, whether they're pro-Marner or anti-Marner. It's time to read the tea leaves and see what the people are saying about the Golden Knights winger. Get your masks on because we're going into the stinky cesspool.
Social media reacts to Mitch Marner returning to ScotiaBank Arena with the Vegas Golden Knights to face the Toronto Maple Leafs
You know the insults are going to fly all over social media. You know that Maple Leafs fans haven't gotten over the horrific breakup that occurred over the summer. That's why fans haven't forgotten about booing Marner once he steps foot onto the ice on Friday (and at T-Mobile Arena). That included some... interesting takes.
I prefer Nicolas Roy, honestly. https://t.co/r8aToq8UO8
— Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) January 23, 2026
Boy, I wonder how it feels to be out of touch with reality. Must be a fun time.
Others reminded Maple Leafs fans to boo the man without even mentioning his name. It seems all of Toronto has a civic duty to boo the Golden Knights winger once he enters the building. Otherwise, they're not real Canadians.
If you are a Toronto Maple Leaf fan and watching the game at home or at the rink
— Leaf Singh (@LeafSingh) January 23, 2026
You boo that slimy bastard every time he touches the puck
Oh, Canada. We stand on guard for thee!
Others have gone the extra mile to drag Marner's own family into this. We're talking about getting his father involved and demonizing ol' pops. Geez...
Mitch Marner is a self-absorbed loser whose father demonized his teammates to bring spotlight to his son. He created these conditions and didn’t have the balls to live in em.
— T🇨🇦 (@tddt_5115) January 22, 2026
You don’t have Dreger publicly slobbering your negotiations and then have FOUR <PPG playoff runs.
For some reason, this made me think of John Cena's dad. Maybe Marner's dad turned heel or something? I don't know.
Of course, some fans don't really care about the booing. All they want is a good hockey game between the Golden Knights and the Maple Leafs.
Me being someone who could care less about the Mitch Marner drama and whether or not fans boo later pic.twitter.com/4V9P9SwmD6
— Rig (@therigszn) January 23, 2026
I mean, Rasmus Andersson's also making his Golden Knights debut tonight. Where's the love for the Swedish defenseman in all of this? He literally left Calgary to join a Stanley Cup contender, you know.
Whatever the case, Friday should be absolute cinema for hockey fans everywhere. They get to see the drama unfold like they were watching The Jerry Springer Show, seeing a scorned ex try and bring down a man who moved on. Get your popcorn ready and get comfortable. We're about to witness history unfold.