Ex-Leaf Mitch Marner makes anticipated Friday return to Toronto: 'It's going to be loud'

Mitch Marner heard boos from the Maple Leafs' travelling fans last week in Sin City.

The Vegas Golden Knights winger might need earplugs before Friday’s puck drop at 7 p.m. ET.

The star forward will return to Toronto as a member of the opposition for the first time since bolting the Original Six franchise — one he cheered for as a kid before being selected No. 4 overall at the 2015 NHL draft — back in the summer.

"Mitch did a lot for this city," said Maple Leafs winger Scott Laughton, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers ahead of last season's trade deadline. "He was a really good player for this team for a while. I was fortunate to play with him for only a short period of time, but he did a lot of good things.

"I'm sure it's going to be loud."

That's almost assured as soon as Marner and the Golden Knights hit the ice for warm-ups at Scotiabank Arena. The player, however, hasn't been forgotten in the dressing room down the hall from where he will set up shop Friday.

"Did a lot here for the Leafs as a player and a person," said Toronto head coach Craig Berube, whose team is on the outside looking in when it comes to the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

"Did a lot for the community and played a lot of good hockey."

The end, however, left a bad taste for many.

Marner's slow march out the door from his de facto hometown -- the Thornhill, Ont., product had a full no-movement clause – as unrestricted free agency loomed July 1 finally ended when the Maple Leafs shipped him to the Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade deal that netted an extra season on an eight-year, $96-million US extension. Toronto got depth forward Nicolas Roy in return.

"I'm expecting a fantastic crowd," said Maple Leafs defenceman