Auston Matthews says Toronto Maple Leafs will 'keep it moving' after losing Mitch Marner
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ biggest star has finally shared his thoughts on the team’s big news of the summer.
Back in the GTA on Thursday night for a Hockey Night in Brampton charity game, Leafs captain Auston Matthews addressed his longtime teammate Mitch Marner’s departure to the Vegas Golden Knights for the first time in public.
"We'll obviously miss him, he's a great friend and great teammate. That's kind of the business side of it that's tough, but wish him nothing but the best. We'll just keep it moving."
Auston Matthews on the departure of Mitch Marner… đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/S1GQcsfTGs
— BarDown (@BarDown) August 20, 2025
“We’ll obviously miss him, he’s a great friend and great teammate. That’s kind of the business side of it that’s tough, but wish him nothing but the best. We’ll just keep it moving.”
Marner had spent his whole professional career with the Leafs since being taken fourth overall in the 2015 draft, putting up 741 points in the process. He and Matthews ended up being linemates for much of their nine seasons together, and the partnership seemed like it could have been a career-long one.
“I think my whole mindset, the whole time I was in Toronto, was that it would be tough to leave Toronto,” Marner said at his introductory press conference in Vegas last month after being sent there in a sign-and-trade deal. “To be honest, I didn’t ever think it would come to that day.”
“To the fans: thank you. Playing in Toronto is special because of you. Over the last nine seasons, I have felt it all: the passion, the pride, the hope, the pressure, and the support. You care deeply, and never took that for granted,” he wrote. “To my teammates, coaches, trainers, the equipment and medical staff, team services, PR staff, and everyone behind the scenes who keep things running, thank you. I’m grateful for every conversation, moment of support, and every bit of belief you showed me along the way.”
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