Mitch Marner absolutely off the ice: New baby boy for Toronto Maple Leafs star

Life handed Mitch Marner a power-play, but it has nothing to do with the ice. While the Toronto Maple Leafs were preparing for Game 1 in their second-round playoff fight, the star forward had another type of “goal” to celebrate: entering fatherhood . He and his wife Stephanie spent the already exciting weekend relishing all of the new experiences that come with parenthood. It has now stolen the spotlight from other events happening in Marner's life, and rightly so.


Mitch Marner's absence from practice brings delightful news for the Toronto Maple Leafs' fans

Fans did realize that Mitch Marner was missing at practice on Sunday, but they could not have ever imagined it to be so nice otherwise. The forward, aged 27, became a father in the early hours of Sunday after his wife, Stephanie, gave birth to their first child, a baby boy . Though his skates did not touch the ice today, this moment brought an emotional cheer for him from his teammates and coaching staff.

Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed the arrival of a baby boy this morning. Marner will not participate in today’s practice.

— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) May 4, 2025

Replacing Marner on the top line during practice was Nick Robertson, who skated alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. Keeping Marner off the ice for precautionary and celebratory purposes would seem to indicate that playing him in the opener against the Florida Panthers is still on schedule. Head coach Craig Berube referred to this experience as "one of the best feelings you'll ever have," showing his full support for his star player's big life moment.

Mitch Marner WON’T practice this morning. ❌

REASON: He and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed their first baby — a boy — this morning. ✅🧒

Congratulations 1️⃣6️⃣

— @LeafsPR #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/oXtqedVbO1

— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) May 4, 2025

It has been a very fatherly kind of season around the Leafs' locker room. Earlier in the year, defenseman Simon Benoit became a father during training camp, while Morgan Rielly welcomed a son with his wife, Olympic gold medalist Tessa Virtue, back in August. That bond is taking root more than just in life experience but also at the rink.

😮AWESOME: Check out these sick custom skates shared by TRUE Hockey to celebrate Mitch Marner becoming a dad. ⛸️💙#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/YF65ECmc3f

— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) May 4, 2025

Well, there was no mild rattle in the core of the team. Max Domi and Pontus Holmberg switched places on their third line, and it looks like Anthony Stolarz remains the starting option for Game 1. The Leafs are following the same schema, which brought them a tough series victory over the Ottawa Senators, including Marner's fantastic eight-point performance.


Also Read: Mitch Marner’s free agency drama: Playoff pressure, fan taunts and Toronto's tough contract decision


Mitch Marner may have missed practice, but he slammed it home where it counts at home. As he returns to the rink with the joy of fatherhood fueling him, fans can expect a rejuvenated and inspired performance. For now, the Maple Leafs family, his real family, have every reason to celebrate.