Talk about a winning streak, right? Mitch Marner’s playoff run just got a whole lot sweeter, thanks to a little bundle of joy. The Toronto Maple Leafs winger just welcomed his first son, Miles, into the world on Sunday morning, with his wife Stephanie by his side. The couple, who tied the knot last July at the gorgeous Peller Estates winery, are now officially a family of four, including Zeus, their furry son. But Marner’s excitement didn’t stop there. He had to skip the team’s practice as the Leafs geared up for their second-round clash with the Florida Panthers. Family first, right?

Marner had shared with reporters that he and his wife were totally ready for the big day during their series against the Ottawa Senators. He laughed, saying that if his son had timed it differently, they would’ve hopped on a flight just to cheer her on. “My son was lucky enough—smart enough to know, you know, don’t come on a hockey day,” Marner said. “I was very fortunate.” And now, with his heart full of family love and playoff pressure, Mitch has found a perfect way to stay grounded, even as the stress of the postseason looms.

Chris Johnston, the NHL insider, dropped a sweet update on May 7th over on X, sharing a glimpse into Mitch Marner’s emotional journey this playoff season. Marner revealed that he’s been writing “M” on his stick tape, a little nod to his newborn son, Miles. It’s his way of keeping his son close, even when the game gets intense.

“I’m trying to play for him,” Mitch said, and you can just feel the love and drive behind those words. Every time he grabs his stick, it’s like a little reminder of his new role as a father, pushing him to stay steady and grounded while going all in for his team.

Looks like baby Miles really brought that golden glow to Mitch Marner’s game, because just days after stepping into dad life, he stepped up big time on the ice. With the Leafs tied at 3 in the third, Marner ripped a sneaky shot from the boards that cut through chaos like butter, slipping past Bobrovsky and lighting up Scotiabank like a firework. Call it magic, call it dad energy, but either way, Leafs fans were feelin’ it. And shoutout to Joseph Woll too, who slid in after Stolarz’s injury and turned into a human brick wall with 25 saves.

The game was a full-on rollercoaster, though, hits, chirps, and pure playoff chaos. Domi and Pacioretty got spicy with a goal and an assist each, while Nylander kept stacking his stat sheet like it’s a summer sale. Even when Florida clawed back with a sneaky one from Lundell, the Leafs bounced back in seconds. Like, literally 17 seconds. Toss in a massive glove save from Woll and a goal-saving swipe from McCabe, and yeah, this one had all the drama. And guess what? Mitch Marner indeed has a baby fever, as he has been associated with the youth for quite some time now!

Mitch Marner continues to inspire the youth!

Way back in 2018, Mitch Marner was already skating circles around expectations, both on and off the ice. While dazzling fans as the go-to guy for the Leafs, off the ice he was plotting something way bigger than goals and assists. Yup, he was dreaming up a game plan to give back, and boom, the Marner Assist Fund was born. It wasn’t just a flashy side project either; this thing had heart. Designed to lift up kids and teens by tossing them a lifeline in health, education, and social care, it all started with those hospital visits during his junior days in London. That spark? It turned into a full-blown mission.

Fast forward to his star-studded All-Star Invitational that same year, think NHL buddies like Matthews and Hyman, women’s hockey queens like Natalie Spooner, and a whole lot of good vibes. Draft parties, team showdowns, and silky skills on display? You bet. But for Mitch, it wasn’t just about the razzle-dazzle. It was about building something real, something lasting. Helping kids smile through tough days, giving them hope, and maybe, just maybe, a shot at chasing dreams on frozen ponds and in classrooms alike.

Now in 2024? Our guy just casually dropped a cool million through the Marner Assist Foundation like it was no biggie. Spoiler alert: it is a biggie. That donation’s gonna fuel programs all across Toronto, sports access, mental health support, and educational boosts for kids who don’t always get a fair shot. Mitch isn’t just a playmaker on the ice; he’s out here rewriting what it means to be a hometown hero. Honestly? He’s the kind of guy who reminds us that kindness can be MVP too.