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Auston Matthews reacts to how Maple Leafs fans treated Mitch Marner on Friday


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Alexander Cole
January 25, 2026  (1:50 PM)
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Jan 23, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) battles for the puck with Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) during the third period at Scotiabank Arena
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Las Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner made his return to Toronto on Friday night, and Auston Matthews has some thoughts about it.

Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner were linemates for the longest time. Now, they are rivals on opposite ends of the North American continent.
On Friday, Marner made his grand return to Toronto. The Las Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Maple Leafs 6-3 in their return, and the Leafs fans were not happy.
There were boos, and there were cheers throughout the game. If one thing is for certain, it is that everyone has an opinion.
However, there was some respect for the winger, and it is something that not everyone was expecting going into this game.

Auston Matthews on the reception to Mitch Marner

After the game, Auston Matthews spoke about the reception towards Marner and how he felt about all of it.
As the captain explains, the Leafs fans did a good job, and he is happy with how the evening ended up working out in all aspects.
It was nice that there were some cheers for him during the video tribute I think it was kinda done the right way there's gonna be the boos when he's on the ice and has the puck and all that stuff, I think it's pretty expected I thought it was a good atmosphere, I thought it was fun.
For fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs, seeing Marner go somewhere else has been truly painful, and you have to feel for them.
Having said that, there is no denying that the forward meant a lot to the franchise, and the pain of his leaving won't leave soon.
Whatever the case may be, the Leafs are going to have to learn to get over this.
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Auston Matthews reacts to how Maple Leafs fans treated Mitch Marner on Friday

Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs fans were charitable to Mitch Marner?

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