Mitch Marner is no longer part of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and his move to the Vegas Golden Knights marked the end of a fruitful chapter with the Canadian franchise. In this context, the 27-year-old forward will no longer share the ice with Auston Matthews and the rest of the team but still keeps his former teammates close to heart.

Marner played for the Maple Leafs from the 2016-2017 season through the 2024-2025 season, completing nearly a decade during which he became one of the team’s leading goal scorers. Alongside captain Matthews, he left an indelible mark, just like another teammate who recently retired.

On August 8, 2025, two-time Stanley Cup champion Kyle Clifford announced his retirement after 15 years in the NHL, marking the end of an era for the Leafs. Known for his physical playing style and leadership, Clifford will join the team in a player development role but will no longer take to the ice. In this context, Marner paid tribute to him.

Marner’s message for Clifford

Marner expressed his respect and affection for Clifford, who recently retired. In an Instagram story, the Golden Knights forward wrote: “1 of a kind! Congrats big man!” This gesture reflects the friendship and admiration the 27-year-old player has for his former teammate.

Marner’s message to Clifford Clifford’s tenure in Toronto

Clifford first joined the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 6, 2020, coming over from the Los Angeles Kings. During his five seasons with the franchise, he built a lasting bond with Marner and also shared the ice with Matthews during the team’s attempts to win the Stanley Cup.

Clifford was selected in the second round of the 2009 draft by the Kings. He played 753 NHL games, scoring 144 points and accumulating 905 penalty minutes. He won the Stanley Cup twice with the Kings in 2012 and 2014. His legacy with the Leafs will endure—not only for his on-ice performance but now also for his contribution to developing future generations of players.