Leafs expect ‘a lot of emotions’ in Marner return Friday

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The Maple Leafs hope Mitch Marner doesn’t get a rough ride on Friday night.

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Wishful thinking, anyone?

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Marner will play at Scotiabank Arena for the first time since his departure last summer, provided he makes it through the Vegas Golden Knights’ game in Boston against the Bruins on Thursday night in good health.

“It’s unfortunate he is not with our group anymore, but I think hockey is a place of respect and I hope that the fans pay him respect,” goalie Joseph Woll said after the Leafs lost 2-1 in overtime against the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night. “Can’t speak for everyone, I don’t know how everyone feels, but just with playing with him, I know he is an unbelievable guy and it’s going to be emotional for him.

“He’s been a special player for this team for a long time and he’s been a big presence in the community as well, not just hockey. I would hope it’s a warm welcome. I know he has nothing but good memories here and I think the fans experienced a lot of good memories with him as well.”

Sixth in Leafs history

To an extent, yes. Marner had 741 points in 657 career regular-season games with the Leafs, putting him sixth on the franchise scoring list. More often than not, something done during a game by Marner — who played nine seasons with Toronto after he was selected fourth overall in the 2015 National Hockey League draft — brought fans out of their seats.

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Off the ice, his Marner Assist Foundation helped raise money for vulnerable and disadvantaged youth.

It’s the playoff failures, of which Marner was a large part, that helped leave a significant portion of the fan base frustrated when he was sent to Vegas in a sign-and-trade last off-season. Contract talks in 2019 before Marner signed that September also left a sour taste for some.

Refusing to waive his no-trade clause last season, as was Marner’s right, resulted in further anger.

When Toronto played in Vegas last Thursday and lost 6-5 in overtime, Marner was booed by Leafs fans in attendance.

“I think Mitch did a lot for this city while he was here,” Leafs centre Scott Laughton said. “He was a really good player for this team for a while. I was fortunate to play with him for only a short period of time, but he did a lot of good things. I’m sure it’s going to be … loud (on Friday night).”

The Leafs are planning to recognize Marner’s tenure with the team during the game.

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Defenceman Brandon Carlo knows about the intense feelings that can come when returning to face a former team. Carlo had that experience in November when the Leafs played in Boston for the first time after acquiring Carlo from the Bruins last March. He spent nine seasons with the Bruins.

‘A beautiful thing’

“A lot of emotions,” Carlo said. “But if there’s anything I can say, it’s a beautiful thing in all regards. He was here for a long time, but I hope he comes in and takes advantage of the opportunity to appreciate all the memories he has built over his years here.

“There’s definitely going to be an extra spring in his step for sure, but overall, I think we want to continue to play our game, focus on ourselves, but that will be an emotional one for him for sure.

“I’m expecting a fantastic crowd within this building, and I think overall the game will be intense as well.

“It’s a big game for us in any regard, but having Mitchy on the other side, such a key component to this group for a long time, it will be fun to compete against him and embrace the challenge again.”

Leafs coach Craig Berube was asked: How should Marner be remembered in this market?

“He did a lot for the Leafs as a player and a person,” Berube said. “He was a great player here and a great person, did a lot for the community and played a lot of good hockey.”

tkoshan@postmedia.com

X: @koshtorontosun

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