It probably won't quite feeling like a homecoming.
But the Maple Leafs and their fans officially know when Mitch Marner will return to Toronto.
Marner is a member of the Vegas Golden Knights now after being moved in a sign-and-trade from the Maple Leafs before entering free agency.
It seemed a departure that was long in the works, because there was never much suggestion that Marner would look to re-sign with Toronto.
The NHL's schedule makers will make Maple Leafs fans wait a bit to let Marner hear how they feel.
The Golden Knights don't visit Toronto until Jan. 23, 2026.
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Ironically, Toronto's only trip to Vegas happens eight days earlier. So the Leafs will see Marner on Jan. 15 on the road and again Jan. 23 at home.
That'll be it for the 2025-26 season unless they meet on a collision course in the Stanley Cup Finals. Now wouldn't that be something?
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