Bournemouth & EPL new boys joins Leeds in the race for Juventus outcast
Bournemouth and Leeds join the race for Juventus striker Lois Openda.
Mitch Marner has joined the Vegas Golden Knights, where he is affectionately referred to as 'Mitchie' by his new head coach, John Tortorella. This change marks a significant shift in Marner's experience as he leaves the Maple Leafs.
Mentioned in this story
Mitch Marner gets to be 'Mitchie' after leaving Maple Leafs for Golden Knights originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
His birth certificate says Mitchell Marner. Most NHL websites say Mitch Marner.
His new head coach with the Vegas Golden Knights, John Tortorella? He calls him "Mitchie."
And really, if there's anything that sums up the entire change in vibes for Marner this season, it's that.
With the Maple Leafs, he had to be Mitch.
With the Golden Knights, he can be Mitchie.
Marner was one of the biggest stories of the 2025 NHL offseason as he worked a sign-and-trade from Toronto to Vegas.
Now, he's thriving in the playoffs, with 14 points through his first 10 games, including six goals.
MORE:Martin Necas showed off some brilliant instincts on Avs' game-winning goal
The reality is there's a bit of a relaxed-ness for Marner after his departure from the pressure cooker that is Toronto.
Mitch Marner left the Toronto Maple Leafs to join the Vegas Golden Knights, seeking a new opportunity and environment.
John Tortorella calls Mitch Marner 'Mitchie' as a sign of their new relationship in Vegas.
Mitch Marner's experience is expected to change positively as he embraces a new team culture and coaching style with the Golden Knights.
Bournemouth and Leeds join the race for Juventus striker Lois Openda.
Arsenal defender Ben White will discuss his future amid interest from Everton. Concerns over his injury history may influence Arsenal's decision on his potential departure.
Boston Bruins set to pursue Rasmus Andersson and Darren Raddysh in free agency.
Join the memorial service for Spruce Creek coach Adam 'Stump' Smith on May 18 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
Could the Celtics bring back Anfernee Simons this offseason?
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
The media market was never going to be the same anywhere else, certainly not on a hockey team that plays in a desert.
"I think he's a hell of a hockey player. I think he's very confident in what he brings," Tortorella said after Marner scored a hat trick in Game 3 of their playoff series against the Ducks. "People give him s--- all the time about playoffs and this and that. I don't think it bothers him a lick. He just plays."
The Maple Leafs got a lot of good hockey out of Marner, but his point production did genuinely decline in the playoffs.
Still, he was crucial to what Toronto did. The Leafs were much worse this season without him.
Now, all the Maple Leafs get to do is watch as Marner puts on a postseason show.