Mitch Marner, now 28, is settling into his first season with the Vegas Golden Knights after leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs last summer. While embracing the desert lifestyle's perks like sunshine and anonymity, he misses family and snow from his Toronto roots. On the ice, Marner faces lineup shifts and offensive challenges but excels defensively.
Mitch Marner traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in the summer of 2025, marking a significant shift after nine seasons with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. Living in Summerlin, a quiet community 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Marner has found some comforts in the desert climate. "Waking up to sunshine every day sure was nice," he said, noting he can walk his dog Zeus in shorts during winter. However, the transition has been challenging. He misses the snow, especially around Christmas, and the dryness requires constant ChapStick. The three-hour time difference complicates connections with family and friends back home, turning Sunday mornings into FaceTime sessions. "That’s the part I think you miss the most is not being around your family as much," Marner admitted in a mid-December interview.
Off the ice, Marner enjoys reduced media pressure and proximity to teammates, facilitating casual hangouts. Anonymity in Vegas, unlike the intense scrutiny in Toronto, was a key reason for the move. He hosted the team's Halloween party dressed as a character from "The Hangover," aiding integration during training camp bonding at owner Bill Foley's Montana ranch.
On the ice, Marner's role has varied. He has played left wing, right wing, and even center amid injuries, lining up with Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, Mark Stone, and Brett Howden. Coach Bruce Cassidy noted the learning curve: "We’re still learning Mitch. Where he wants the puck, when he wants the puck." The fit with Eichel, both puck-dominant, has been uneven. Marner is averaging fewer shifts than in Toronto and has his lowest offensive output since his sophomore year, with points on just 39 percent of power-play goals. Yet, his defensive play shines, positioning him for another Selke Trophy contention. "I’m really happy with the defensive side of it," Marner said. Teammate Brayden McNabb praised his game sense: "He’s just got that mind for the game."
Despite the 2023 Stanley Cup reminders around the facility, Marner feels less essential but is adapting. He no longer roots for the Leafs: "I’m only rooting for my team." As the season progresses, his comfort level grows, with Cassidy hopeful for more synergy.
