The departure of Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs last summer sent shockwaves through the NHL. After spending his entire career with the Leafs, Marner made it clear he wasn't interested in signing a new contract, leading to a sign-and-trade deal that sent him to the Vegas Golden Knights and Nicolas Roy to Toronto.

The frustration from Leafs Nation had been building for years, particularly concerning the playoff performances of Marner, Auston Matthews, and William Nylander. While Marner reached the 100-point milestone in the regular season, his playoff record, specifically two assists in six Game 7 losses, drew criticism.

Marner developed into a strong defensive player during his time in Toronto, consistently earning Selke Trophy votes. However, the team's inability to translate regular-season success into deep playoff runs weighed heavily on the core players and the fanbase.

Now with the Vegas Golden Knights, Marner has 12 goals and 40 assists in 49 games, maintaining his point-per-game pace. Vegas currently leads the Pacific Division, while the Leafs are sixth in the Atlantic.

Marner faced his former team for the first time recently, a game where the Leafs ultimately lost to the Golden Knights in overtime after relinquishing a lead. Despite the emotional undercurrent, Marner downplayed the significance of facing his old team, stating he prefers not to dwell on the past.

In Toronto, Marner faced intense scrutiny and pressure. Now in Vegas, he seems to have found a sense of anonymity and freedom from unrelenting criticism.

While the Maple Leafs have shown flashes of strong play, they continue to struggle with consistency and holding leads. The team's core players, including Matthews and John Tavares, have faced criticism for their performance in crucial moments.

The trade has given Nicolas Roy a warm reception upon his return to Vegas. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs continue their search to fill the void left by Marner's departure.