The noise around Mitch Marner never really faded after he left Toronto. It followed him into the summer, settled over his move to Vegas and lingered as the new season got underway. Many fans expected the former Maple Leafs star to thrive in fresh surroundings, believing he would step in and lift the Golden Knights the same way he once lifted the offense in Toronto. Instead, the conversation has shifted in a direction few predicted, placing a spotlight on a slow and surprising start.

Mitch Marner’s Vegas struggles push him toward his weakest goal output ever (Getty Images)

As December moves on, the contrast between the two teams has become a talking point. Toronto’s attack has continued to roll with ease, sitting near the top of the league in goals, even without their longtime playmaker. Vegas, once one of the most dangerous scoring groups, has slipped into the middle of the pack. For a forward who arrived with big expectations, Marner has found himself in a season unlike any other.

Former Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner struggles to find scoring rhythm in Vegas

Marner entered the year with excitement around his pairing with Jack Eichel. Many thought they would form one of the league’s most productive duos. Instead, the experiment ended after a week, and Marner moved to the second line. Through 29 games, he has 6 goals and 29 points, solid numbers for most players but below what his career has conditioned people to expect.

He has not dipped below 1.13 points per game since 2017-18, and his current pace suggests he could match his lowest goal total of 16, a number he hit during the shortened 2019-20 season.

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This is a sharp contrast to the player who arrived in Vegas fresh off a career-high 75 assists and 102 points in 81 games. He had produced 383 points in his last 302 games with Toronto, making this dip even more unexpected. While the Golden Knights hold a respectable 14-6-9 record, much of that success has come from Eichel’s consistency and the steady play of goaltender Akira Schmid.

There is still time for Marner to shift the narrative. His playmaking vision remains intact, and the season is far from settled. Vegas will need him to rediscover his rhythm if they hope to regain their place among the league’s most dangerous offenses, and many will be watching to see if he can climb back toward the level he set last year.