The closest Marner had gotten to 100 points in a season, before this year, was in 2022-23, where he scored 99 in 80 games.
Apr 15, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch Marner (16) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
With one game remaining in the year, Mitch Marner finally reached 100 points in a season for the first time in his career.
Entering the third period, the Toronto Maple Leafs were up 1-0 over the Buffalo Sabres. It seemed as though the quietness of the game would take over, with Toronto leaving Buffalo with a one-goal lead.
That, as we know it, was not the case.
In the third period, Auston Matthews, fittingly, kicked the puck from his skate to his stick and found Marner in front of the net. On one knee, the 27-year-old lifted the puck over Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for his 27th goal and 100th point of the year.
"It's a special thing for sure. Those accomplishments don't happen by yourself, and that's just credit to a lot of guys in that locker room that have helped me out and supported me through this year and made some unbelievable plays for me and have put some in from my passes," Marner said after Toronto's 4-0 win over the Sabres.
"I mean, I think the really cool thing is just the excitement from the guys for that point and seeing their excitement for me, so that was really cool to experience."
Marner had been close to reaching 100 points in past seasons, more so than ever during 2022-23, where he had 99 points before diving into the postseason. Accomplishing it on a night when the Maple Leafs clinched the division and Auston Matthews scored his 400th goal had to have made it special.
"He's a special player and I've been lucky enough to be with him for nine years," Marner told TSN's Mark Masters post-game, "a lot of ups and downs but we've been with each other through it all."
Marner's brother and a few friends were also in the crowd, making it a moment he'll presumably remember forever. Marner said after Tuesday's win that he tried to gather up his friends for the trip at 11 p.m. the night before.
"I'm a real late planner," Marner said.
"But, yeah, I just said, if I can get you guys a party bus down here, what's your guys thinking? They jumped on it right away, and luckily enough, had six of my buddies and my brother come down. It will be cool to go up in the crowd and celebrate with them, and just, it was fun seeing their celebration in the crowd as well."
The playmaking forward has assisted on 12 different teammates' goals this season, primarily with Matthews (19 assists), Matthew Knies (16 assists), John Tavares (15 assists), and William Nylander (11 assists).
Marner also assisted on one of Steven Lorentz's eight goals this season. After signing a one-year deal before the season, Lorentz is now basking in the glory of playing for his hometown team and getting a front row seat to the Matthews and Marner sorcery.
"Super proud of him. Very special. Not many guys are able to accomplish that at this level. And for Matty too to get No. 400," Lorentz said on Tuesday.
"I can’t even fathom that for the way I play the game, but it’s definitely a treat to watch those guys every single night. I try to take tips and pointers from the way they play the game. It doesn’t always translate when I try to do those things, but they’re so good at it and I’m very happy for those guys."
The next stop for the Maple Leafs is one final regular season game against the Detroit Red Wings before the very anticipated Battle of Ontario. In 2023, Marner followed up his 99-point season with three goals and 11 assists in 11 playoff games, which included a first-round win.
He may follow up this campaign with a similar performance, especially with the excitement going into this postseason.
"Well, I mean, he's played really good hockey this year, and so I don't know why he would end going into the playoffs," Berube said.
"He's just got to keep doing what he's doing. He's done a great job of doing things for us the right way throughout the year, penalty killing, power play, five-on-five, along with everybody else. We've got one more game, and then we'll get dialed in for playoffs."
