Heat Damage to Laminate Counter-top Near Gas Range

While deep cleaning our new home, after closing, my wife and discovered what looks like some heat damage to the counter-top next to the gas range. The house was fully renovated about 2 years ago, just prior to the last owner buying the place, and the range/oven combo was installed as part of the renovation. I’m new to gas appliances, so I’m somewhat uncertain as to what to expect as to the particulars of certain behaviors of gas appliances.

My thought is that the heat damage may have occurred before the gap covers were installed. Is that so, or does this look like something that was likely to happen after the covers were installed?