The entire hockey world will be talking about it. No, they're not just talking about Rasmus Andersson, although that's also noteworthy. No, they're talking about the big ol' reunion between Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs that's going down on Friday.
Friday's game will feature Marner facing off against his former club for the first time since he joined the Golden Knights on a sign-and-trade. This season, the superstar winger has 12 goals and 39 assists, becoming one of the most important forwards for Vegas. But don't tell the Maple Leafs fans that when entering Scotiabank Arena.
They might start burning jerseys and booing him loudly every time he steps on the ice. Like, if you thought the Maple Leafs fans booing Marner were loud at T-Mobile Arena, just wait until Toronto goes full nuclear. It'll be like they saw Shohei Ohtani go to the Dodgers and beat them in the World Series! Oh wait...
But all isn't bad in the Maple Leafs world. No, plenty of Marner's former teammates have thoughts about the Golden Knights superstar returning to Ontario. Some were positive and some were... well, they were straight-up realistic.
What the Toronto Maple Leafs are saying about Mitch Marner returning with the Vegas Golden Knights... and what we can learn from it
First, let's look at the positives. Goaltender Joseph Woll had some reassuring thoughts about the Golden Knights winger returning to town (after all, he's from Markham).
"I would hope it's a warm welcome.... It's unfortunate he's not with our group anymore. I think hockey is a place of respect, and I hope that the fans pay him respect."Joseph Woll to Luke Fox
I mean, wouldn't you want to pay respects to a local kid who lived out his dream? How many Las Vegas kids would love the opportunity to play for the Golden Knights in the future?
But Scott Laughton had a different take on Marner's return. Let's just say that it's a... bit more realistic.
"I'm sure it's going to be... loud."Scott Laughton to Luke Fox
I mean, yeah. Some people are going to cheer for him and be happy. When you create countless electric moments with the Maple Leafs, what do you expect to do? But if the T-Mobile Arena boos from Toronto fans are any indication, this will be loud.
So, here's some advice for you. Get your popcorn ready and kick back. If you're at the game, be sure to record the boos (or cheers!) because Friday's going to be a movie.