Mitch Marner Becomes Father Amid NHL Playoff Push

TORONTO — Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner welcomed his first child, a baby boy named Miles Daniel Marner, on Sunday morning at 8:49 a.m., just before the start of the second round of the NHL playoffs.

Marner, 28, described himself as a ”lucky guy” and expressed admiration for his wife, Stephanie, whom he referred to as an ”absolute beast” during labor. The couple was determined to ensure Marner could support his wife while remaining focused on the playoffs. ”Family always comes first,” he said.

Marner reflected on the timing of his son’s birth, noting, ”My son was smart enough to know that you don’t come on a hockey day.” He spent Sunday night at the hospital but planned to return for Game 1 against the Florida Panthers after Monday’s morning skate at Scotiabank Arena.

This contrasting experience was not lost on teammate Brandon Carlo, who recalled flying to Florida just hours after his wife, Mayson, gave birth to their son, Crew, last year. Carlo joked about ”dad strength” influencing performance. ”I definitely believe it with (Marner) more so than I believed it with myself scoring a goal,” he said.

Maple Leafs captain John Tavares shared his own experience, having welcomed his daughter Rae during a playoff break two years ago. He added that the anticipation of a baby’s arrival brings a new perspective during an intense playoff push. ”It almost takes your mind away from it a little bit,” Tavares noted.

Marner’s excitement about fatherhood shines through his focus on both his family and the playoffs. ”It was something just really special to watch and be a part of,” he said. Miles Marner will be eligible for the NHL draft in 2043, marking the beginning of a new legacy for the Marner family.