Golden Knights’ Cassidy on Marner’s return to Toronto: ‘Mitch will have to just be ready for what comes his way’

The highly anticipated return of a hometown product is going to lead to a lot of emotions.

With the Vegas Golden Knights set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday night, everyone is asking about what might happen when Mitch Marner comes back to his hometown to face his former team.

When speaking to the media on Thursday, head coach Bruce Cassidy noted that Marner has to be prepared for whatever could happen at Scotiabank Arena.

“Mitch will have to just be ready for what comes his way,” Cassidy said. “I won’t have any strong message for him, I think he knows the city better than I do. … Hopefully he plays well, and the team plays well for him.”

Marner has already gone up against some of his old friends last week. In Sin City last Thursday, Marner picked up two assists in a come-from-behind 6-5 overtime win for the Golden Knights.

Marner spent the first nine seasons of his NHL career with the Leafs. The Markham native was part of the franchise’s rise to prominence, alongside a core of talent featuring William Nylander and captain Auston Matthews. However, the team’s lack of playoff success, and lack of postseason production from Marner, led to the fanbase turning on the former first-round pick.

The Leafs eventually decided it was time to make a change this past summer. Signing Marner to an eight-year extension before trading him to Vegas. He’s flourished in his new home. In 48 games, he has potted 12 goals and 39 assists for 51 points, sitting second on the team in scoring behind Jack Eichel.

In other news with Vegas, defenseman Rasmus Andersson has yet to join the team due to visa issues. The Swedish blueliner was acquired by the Golden Knights on Sunday in a trade with the Calgary Flames.

The Golden Knights (24-12-12) are set to visit the Boston Bruins on Thursday before heading to Toronto. Vegas is atop the Pacific Division, two points ahead of the Edmonton Oilers.