The matchup marks Mitch Marner's first game against Toronto since his July 1 exit, adding an emotional backdrop to a key interconference meeting.

For years, the name ‘Mitch Marner’ was synonymous with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“We definitely keep in touch a pretty decent amount… he’s always going to be a really close friend, he’s a great person… it’s gonna be fun playing against him,” Matthews said via Anna Dua of Sportsnet...