It was a series that nearly ended in frustration for the Toronto Maple Leafs. With the Ottawa Senators coming really close to making a comeback in round 1, it almost looked like another round 1 crash out was in the mix. But luckily for them, the Maple Leafs managed to secure their spot in round 2 during Game 6. But amidst the anticipation, the bad news is that it seems like there’s a possibility that Mitch Marner could miss the start of round 2 against the Florida Panthers on May 6.

What’s the reason for that? On X, Chris Johnston reported: “Mitch Marner is absent from #leafs practice after his wife Stephanie gave birth to a baby boy.” Marner missed team practice recently because he and his wife, Stephanie LaChance, welcomed their first child—a baby boy!

A few months ago, the couple shared the exciting news that they were expecting their first child. Marner’s not around right now because of this personal milestone, but it looks like it won’t impact his availability for the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs coming up. So, there are definitely mixed feelings about the NHL star and whether he’ll be available for Round 2. So, how important is Marner to the Maple Leafs?

Mitch Marner has really shone for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In the first-round series against the Ottawa Senators, Marner really sparkled, leading the team with 8 points—1 goal and 7 assists—over six games. His playmaking skills were on full display, making a big impact on the team’s offense. He really stood out by scoring a goal and getting two assists in the first game, which they won 6-2.

Plus, he added two more assists in that crucial Game 3 overtime win. His steady play has really helped the Maple Leafs move on to the second round, where they’ll be going up against the Florida Panthers. So, in the first round, how effective were the Maple Leafs?

Mitch Marner and his team got into a bit of a challenge

The Toronto Maple Leafs came out on top against the Ottawa Senators in a six-game series, celebrating their fifth straight postseason win over their provincial rivals. Toronto jumped out to a 3-0 series lead, thanks to some thrilling overtime victories in Games 2 and 3, highlighted by clutch goals from Max Domi and Simon Benoit. But this is where they really felt the heat.

Ottawa bounced back strong, grabbing a 4-3 overtime victory in Game 4 and then following it up with a solid 4-0 shutout in Game 5, thanks to Linus Ullmark’s amazing play in goal. Just when it seemed like all hope was gone, Game 6 took a surprising turn in favor of the Maple Leafs. Max Pacioretty, the veteran, scored the game-winning goal late in the third period, helping the Maple Leafs secure a 4-2 win and clinch the series 4-2.

William Nylander had quite the birthday bash, scoring two goals and adding an assist to celebrate turning 29! Toronto’s series win has pushed them into the second round, and now they’re gearing up to take on the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers.