It’s the date every Toronto hockey fan has been waiting for—and dreading. On January 23, 2026, Mitch Marner will make his highly anticipated return to Scotiabank Arena, but this time, he’ll be wearing the black and gold of the Vegas Golden Knights.

The buzz surrounding this one-time showdown is already reaching fever pitch, with ticket prices soaring to jaw-dropping heights and emotions running wild across the city.

For many, Marner’s homecoming represents more than just a game; it’s a night loaded with nostalgia, heartbreak, and controversy. The Markham native, once the darling of the Leafs faithful, was traded away in a blockbuster move that left fans stunned and divided.

Now, with only one chance to see him skate as an opponent in Toronto this season, demand for seats has exploded—leaving thousands scrambling and venting online as prices skyrocket beyond belief.

But beneath the hype and headlines, something deeper is brewing. Will the crowd greet Marner with cheers or jeers? Can he steal the spotlight from his former team? And what does this spectacle say about the changing face of hockey fandom in Toronto? The answers may surprise you—and they’re only just beginning to unfold.

Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner and Toronto Maple Leafs fan

Photo credit: All Habs/NHL

It’s a date that many Maple Leafs fans have circled on their calendars for a long time: January 23, 2026, when Mitch Marner will return to Toronto.

But this time in a Las Vegas Golden Knights uniform.

It will be the only matchup of the season where the star forward, traded last summer, will skate at Scotiabank Arena in front of Toronto fans. As expected, demand to attend this historic game is through the roof.

According to several resale sites, ticket prices have reached nearly absurd levels. For two seats in the upper sections of the arena-the equivalent of the «nosebleeds» at Montreal’s Bell Centre-fans now have to pay nearly $1,000. An enormous sum for seats that normally aren’t the most coveted.

Not only is Marner’s return to the city of Toronto causing havoc, but ticket prices in general have fans venting on social media.

Drafted by the Maple Leafs in 2015, the Markham native had some of his best offensive seasons with the team, forming a formidable duo with Auston Matthews. His departure, forced by the club’s tight salary situation, left a bitter taste for many fans.

On January 23, everyone will want to witness the moment Marner skates on Toronto ice again-but this time as an opponent.

Mixed reactions expected for Mitch Marner’s return to the «Queen City»

An electric atmosphere is already anticipated, split between the ovation for his years of loyal service and the boos reserved for the player now wearing Golden Knights colors.

Part of the hype comes from the fact that this event won’t repeat this season. The NHL scheduled only one matchup in Toronto between the Leafs and Vegas, increasing both the rarity-and the value-of this night.

It remains to be seen if Marner will spoil the party for his former teammates. But one thing is certain: regardless of the result, this game will be one of the most anticipated in Toronto.