Joseph Woll Sends A Special Message To Maple Leafs Fans Ahead Of Mitch Marner’s Toronto Return
Just a week after being booed by Maple Leafs fans on home ice, Mitch Marner is set for an emotional return to Toronto. This time, the stage will be Scotiabank Arena, and all signs point toward a hostile atmosphere awaiting the now Golden Knights star on Friday night.
The boos did not seem to affect him in his first game against Toronto, as Marner picked up two assists in a wild 6-5 overtime win for Vegas. Still, the return to Toronto will be far more hostile.
Marner spent almost a decade with the Toronto Maple Leafs after being drafted fourth overall in 2015. As a hometown player, he quickly became one of the faces of the organization. That relationship, however, fractured after Toronto’s second-round playoff exit last season, when Marner chose to test free agency. The move stunned the fanbase, especially when he ultimately joined the Vegas Golden Knights through a sign-and-trade with the Leafs.
Joseph Woll Heaps High Praise For Mitch Marner
Ahead of Friday’s matchup, Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll urged fans to show respect. Speaking after Toronto’s 2-1 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night, Woll made it clear how he feels about his former teammate.
“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,” Woll said. “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.”
🎙️ | Joseph Woll | Post Game vs. Detroit Red Wings | Jan 21 pic.twitter.com/wHRpl1ICtv
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 22, 2026
Woll called Marner a “special player” and urged the Toronto fanbase to give their former star a warm welcome.
“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.”
Defenceman Brandon Carlo echoed that sentiment while acknowledging how charged the atmosphere could be.
“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,” Carlo said.
“I’m expecting a fantastic crowd within this building, and I think overall the game will be intense as well.”
Marner enters the game with 51 points in 48 games, continuing to produce at a high level despite playing multiple positions.
Whether the crowd responds with boos or appreciation, Marner’s return to Toronto is most likely going to be one of the most talked-about moments of the season.
Joseph Woll Sends A Special Message To Maple Leafs Fans Ahead Of Mitch Marner’s Toronto Return
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