Mitch Marner’s highly anticipated return to Toronto, following his signing with the Vegas Golden Knights, was set to be one of hockey’s most captivating stories this season. Fans eagerly awaited the matchup between Marner and his former team, the Maple Leafs, but the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL’s schedule placed the home game months away, leaving supporters frustrated and anxious.
The league announced that although the teams will meet in Vegas early in the season, the Golden Knights will not play in Toronto until January 23. This delay means fans in Toronto must wait nearly half the season to see Marner face his old club in front of a home crowd, undermining the intense anticipation surrounding the event.
Behind the Scheduling Decision That Raised Eyebrows
When Marner left Toronto for Vegas, excitement about his eventual return was palpable. The NHL’s full season schedule included the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights matchups, but the timing drew criticism from analysts and fans alike. Toronto’s home game against Vegas is scheduled immediately after the Golden Knights play in Boston on January 22, creating a back-to-back game situation.
NHL analyst Bryan Hayes strongly criticized the league’s handling of the scheduling on the TSN OverDrive radio show, joined by hosts Frank Corrado and Keegan Matheson. Hayes described it as “pretty crazy” that the two games come so close together, pointing out the logistical challenges and media access limitations it would cause for Marner.
Analyst Bryan Hayes Highlights Missed Opportunities
Hayes highlighted the significance of Marner’s return, calling it
“the most-anticipated Maple Leaf homecoming, likely in my lifetime.”
He compared the emotional weight of this event to the era when Wendell Clark was traded, a time marked by fans being unwilling to see a beloved player leave.
Despite the potential for a memorable night, Hayes expressed disappointment in how the NHL managed the situation, stating,
“And I predicted this yesterday. I said it. The NHL will screw this up. And they did.”
The compressed schedule forces Marner to fly in, play, and immediately leave Toronto without opportunities for post-game interviews or fan engagement.
Hayes acknowledged the NHL’s effort to shield Marner from what could be an emotionally charged scenario but suggested this protective approach diminishes the entertainment value for fans. He described Marner as “a local kid” who departed Toronto to join a “big-money squad,” emphasizing the personal storyline lost in the scheduling.
What the Future Holds for Marner’s Toronto Return
While the league’s scheduling decision has disappointed many, the discussion on TSN OverDrive concluded with a hopeful note. The hosts suggested that if Marner
“has some heart, he should make himself available”
to media and fans despite the NHL’s cautious timetable.
This clash between scheduling practicality and fan anticipation highlights the delicate balance the NHL must manage as it navigates marquee player returns. The January home game will undoubtedly draw significant attention, but the long wait may have lessened the immediate impact Marner’s return could have generated this season in Toronto.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Mitch Marner so good?
A. Marner skillfully uses his calmness, understanding, and imagination to frequently create opportunities for his teammates to play effectively inside the field. This often leaves opponents feeling unprepared.
Q. Did Mitch Marner play AAA?
A. When Mitchell was six years old, he went back to Clarington and tried out for the Novice AAA team. Although he was the top scorer in tryouts, the Clarington coach and committee felt he wasn’t mentally mature enough to join the team. Instead, he joined the Lindsay Wolves where he played for the Novice AAA team as a six-year-old.