Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner Reveals Emotional Gesture for Newborn Son to Stay Focused Amid Playoffs Stress

Talk about a winning streak, right? Mitch Marner’s playoff run just got a whole lot sweeter, thanks to a little bundle of joy. The Toronto Maple Leafs winger just welcomed his first son, Miles, into the world on Sunday morning, with his wife Stephanie by his side. The couple, who tied the knot last July at the gorgeous Peller Estates winery, are now officially a family of three. But Marner’s excitement didn’t stop there. He had to skip the team’s practice as the Leafs geared up for their second-round clash with the Florida Panthers. Family first, right?

Marner shared with reporters that he and his wife were totally ready for the big day during their series against the Ottawa Senators. He laughed, saying that if his son had timed it differently, they would’ve hopped on a flight just to cheer her on. “My son was lucky enough—smart enough to know, you know, don’t come on a hockey day,” Marner said. “I was very fortunate.” And now, with his heart full of family love and playoff pressure, Mitch has found a perfect way to stay grounded, even as the stress of the postseason looms.

Chris Johnston, the NHL insider, dropped a sweet update on May 7th over on X, sharing a glimpse into Mitch Marner’s emotional journey this playoff season. Marner revealed that he’s been writing “M” on his stick tape, a little nod to his newborn son, Miles. It’s his way of keeping his son close, even when the game gets intense.

“I’m trying to play for him,” Mitch said, and you can just feel the love and drive behind those words. Every time he grabs his stick, it’s like a little reminder of his new role as a father, pushing him to stay steady and grounded while going all in for his team.

Mitch Marner says he's started writing "M" on his stick tape to remind him of his newborn son, Miles, and give him something to focus on while steadying himself between shifts.

"I'm trying to play for him."

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 8, 2025

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