Here’s what Mitch Marner did to Auston Matthews just before puck drop

During warmups ahead of Thursday night’s wild game between the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights in Vegas, Mitch Marner had a little fun before heading off the ice. After all, he was facing his former team for the first time since the monster trade out of Toronto.

As he skated toward the bench, Marner casually fired a puck toward Auston Matthews’ feet, a light, playful gesture before puck drop.

Nothing malicious. Nothing dramatic. Perhaps he wanted another pass to his buddy.

Watch here:

The moment caught attention, and Matthews was asked about it pre-game by TSN’s Mark Masters. But Matthews was done with the Marner questions and wanted to focus on the game.

“I think I’ve had enough of the Marner questions today - let’s go (play).”

Despite the buzz around Marner facing his former team, Matthews made it clear his focus was exactly where it needed to be. And he ended up recording a goal, however, Marner had two assists against his former team and the win. Teammate Jack Eichel scored the winner in overtime to give the Knights a 6-5 come-from-behind victory against the Leafs.