Mitch Marner had the best excuse for missing Maple Leafs practice on Sunday.

Marner’s wife, Stephanie, gave birth to a baby boy on Sunday morning, the Leafs said.

The birth comes a day before Mitch’s 28th birthday and Game 1 of the Leafs’ second-round series against the Florida Panthers.

The Leafs were on the ice at the Ford Performance Centre after the club had an optional practice on Saturday.

Marner played a key role in the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, recording eight points in six games as the Leafs eliminated the Ottawa Senators. Marner had one goal and led the Leafs with seven assists.