Mitch Marner praises Auston Matthews after Toronto Captain becomes Maple Leafs' all-time goal-scoring leader

A few weeks ago, Auston Matthews made history by becoming the Toronto Maple Leafs' all-time goal-scoring leader. The captain surpassed Toronto legend Mats Sundin’s long-standing franchise record that had stood for over 16 years.

However, Matthews wasn't surrounded by his former teammate Mitch Marner when he accomplished the milestone. Marner left Toronto for Vegas during the offseason, but the winger made sure to reach out and congratulate his old linemate on the historic achievement.

Mitch Marner reflects on former teammate’s historic accomplishment for Maple Leafs

Marner spoke about Matthews' record-breaking moment and the significance of the achievement. The Golden Knights forward acknowledged he knew the milestone was inevitable given Matthews' prolific scoring ability.

"It was phenomenal. It was really cool. I knew it was gonna happen in a matter of time," Marner said. "I think everyone saw me congratulate him online, but I talked to him after the game and just said, 'Congrats, what a great milestone.' He's got his name with all the legends now and above them all."

Marner didn’t shy away from accepting how special it was to see his former teammate surpass a franchise legend like Sundin. The Finnish forward held the title since he left the Maple Leafs after the 2008-09 season. Since the mark of 420 goals was waiting to be broken.

"It's a really cool thing, and I think it was really cool for all the legends to recognize it and give him his love too," Marner added. Marner and Matthews spent nine seasons as teammates in Toronto before Marner signed with Vegas as a free agent.

While Marner was part of the 2015 NHL Draft after being drafted #4 overall by Toronto, he had to wait for the next season to play. But once Matthews joined the Maple Leafs in 2016 as the #1 overall pick, one of the NHL’s most deadly modern duos was created.

Between the two of them, the duo scored more than 1300 points over nine seasons and made the Maple Leafs into playoff regulars. So when Matthews finally took the crown as Toronto’s goal leader, Marner was overjoyed for his former linemate.

What makes this even more special is just how soon Matthews reached this number. Sundin played in 981 games over a span of 13 seasons to get to his mark. Matthews, meanwhile, did it in just 664 games over a little more than nine seasons.

Now, Matthews stands alone atop the Maple Leafs' all-time goal-scoring list with 423 goals. The Arizona native will continue adding to his total as he enters the prime years of his career with the captaincy on his shoulders. But once the postseason hits, Marner will be there for the Stanley Cup, putting his friendship on hold.

Also Read: 9 years in, Auston Matthews has already altered Maple Leafs history and raised the bar for Toronto’s next