Video: Mitch Marner Opens Up About Leaving Maple Leafs

Leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs was not an easy decision for Mitch Marner.

The star forward wound up being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights over the summer, after it was clear to Leafs' GM Brad Treliving that he wasn't interested in re-signing a long-term contract. Toronto received Nicolas Roy in the deal, and now Marner is off to a hot start with his new team.

The Golden Knights are 4-0-2 through their first six games and Marner has started the season strong with his new teammates, posting eight points through his first six games. Marner admitted leaving Toronto was not an easy decision and it took a lot of time, and effort to come to the conclusion.

"There were a couple sleepless nights," he said after scoring his first two goals with Vegas in a win over the Calgary Flames. "Super tough. It was not an easy decision at all ... Tried to make the best move that we thought was going to best for our family going forward."

Marner had previously stated his family was receiving threats online, had people hovering around their house after his address was leaked, and it became quite clear to him and his family that the best thing would be to find a fresh start somewhere else. Marner had another tough playoff stretch last spring with the Maple Leafs, and Leafs Nation had become quite frustrated with him not being able to elevate his game when the games mattered most.

Marner is hopeful he can hoist the Stanley Cup with his new team in Vegas, and feels they certainly have the team to get the job done in the playoffs. "The guys in this locker room have been awesome," the 28-year-old told Scott Oake. "Starting to really feel at home here in the last couple days and week really. I'm liking how it's going, and just got to keep growing. I'm starting to really open up and just do my part as well."

Jack Eichel has certainly enjoyed having Marner around, as he's posted a league leading 15 points through his first six games, some of which Marner was on his wing for. Keep an eye on Vegas, they are going to be a powerhouse this season, and they have a GM who isn't afraid to make bold moves ahead of the trade deadline.

As for Marner, he's satisfied with his decision, and likely doesn't miss the crazy media circus that surrounds the Maple Leafs, and their rabid fans. Here's the full interview below: