During an appearance on Saturday’s edition of “After Hours” with Scott Oake and Gary Lawless on Hockey Night in Canada, the longtime Leafs star and current Golden Knight shared his thought process during the biggest decision of his professional career.
“There were a couple sleepless nights,” he said after scoring his first two goals with Vegas in a win over the Calgary Flames. “Super tough. It was not an easy decision at all … Tried to make the best move that we thought was going to best for our family going forward.”
Marner, who grew up just outside Toronto, spent his first nine seasons with the Leafs filling up the score sheet every night. He set a career high last season with 102 points, and eclipsed 90 points three other times.
But while the point production was there in the regular season — he had 741 points in 657 games — he failed to replicate his stat-sheet success in the playoffs. In 70 post-season games, the winger notched 63 points and failed to register a goal in two first-round exits.
The Maple Leafs’ struggles in the post-season have been well documented over the Core Four era, advancing to the second round just twice. Marner, being a homegrown superstar, shouldered much of the blame for the team’s struggles.
Now in Vegas, Marner is ready for a fresh start and has embraced the challenges that come with changing teams for the first time in his NHL career.
“The guys in this locker room have been awesome,” the 28-year-old told Scott Oake. “Starting to really feel at home here in the last couple days and week really. I’m liking how it’s going, and just got to keep growing. I’m starting to really open up and just do my part as well.”
If eight points through six games and six over the last three is any indication, Marner is nice and cozy in his new home.
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