NHL Insider Provides Huge Update on Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner After Absence from Practice

As the Maple Leafs prepare for a grueling, rough, combative series against the feisty Florida Panthers, Mitch Marner has a different type of anxiousness on Sunday, as the superstar winger and his wife, Stephanie, began an exciting new journey

Earlier this year, Marner and his wife confirmed via social media that they're expecting their first child together.

According to TSN's Chris Johnston, the Marners have officially welcomed their baby boy into the world on the eve of Game 1 of their Monday matchup with Florida to kick off their Round 2 series -- hence, his absence from practice.

Marner has been quite productive for the Leafs thus far in these playoffs, having produced 1 goal and 8 points across his first six games of this playoff run.

The Florida Panthers present a pretty unique challenge, though, as the reigning, defending Stanley Cup Champions.

While the Leafs did finish 1st in the Atlantic Division this season, the Panthers were banged up for a lot of the season, and only recently became healthy, welcoming back both Matthew Tkachuk and deadline addition Brad Marchand.

Here's hoping that the boost of joy and energy that Marner has gotten from becoming a father for the first time will translate into additional confidence on the ice during the upcoming series against the defending champs.