Mitch Marner skips practice ahead of Game 1.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were short one of their top stars on Sunday morning when they hit the ice for a skate ahead of Game 1 against the Florida Panthers on Monday night.

It was star forward Mitch Marner that was nowhere to be seen but I don't think his team or his teammates will mind a great deal given that Marner had just about the best excuse ever for taking the day off. The Maple Leafs announced on Sunday that Marner and his wife Stephanie welcomed their first child into the world, a baby boy, with the new father understandably taking the day to process the life changing moment.

Marner proved to be a major contributor for the Maple Leafs in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, recording a goal and 7 assists for a total of 8 points over the span of just 6 games, and it remains to be seen how the very difficult challenge of welcoming a new baby into the world will impact his performance in the coming days.

Head coach Craig Berube had an amusing response when he was asked about he felt the newest member of the Marner family might impact his dad during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

"Well, he’s probably in a good mood," said Berube with a laugh. "No, it’s awesome."