Maple Leafs Struggling After Marner's Exit
NHL.com writer Mike Zeisberger discussed the Toronto Maple Leafs' current situation and their efforts to replace Mitch Marner during the latest episode of the "NHL @TheRink" podcast. Marner, who spent nine seasons with Toronto, was traded this offseason to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade deal.
Now with Vegas, Marner has recorded 14 points (three goals and 11 assists) in 12 games during the first season of his eight-year, $96 million contract with an annual average value of $12 million. His absence is felt strongly in Toronto’s lineup.
Marner’s Impact on Toronto
Last season, Marner finished with 102 points (27 goals, 75 assists), leading the Maple Leafs on the power play with 33 points (six goals, 27 assists). Toronto’s power play ranked eighth in the NHL at 24.8 percent efficiency. Marner also placed seventh in Selke Trophy voting as one of the league’s top defensive forwards.
Current Team Standing
After a 5-3 win against the Utah Mammoth, the Maple Leafs hold an 8-5-1 record. They rank third in goals per game (3.62), but sit 28th in goals against (3.62) and 30th on the power play at 12.1 percent. The team continues to seek balance at both ends of the ice.
Roster Changes and Challenges
The Leafs have added forwards Nicolas Roy, Matias Maccelli, and Dakota Joshua, and promoted Easton Cowan from the AHL. Despite these moves, Zeisberger noted the team still faces a major challenge filling the gap left by Marner in their top-six forward group.
“Myself personally, I'm not surprised,” Zeisberger said, emphasizing that the Maple Leafs would need to explore the trade market to replace Marner’s production and leadership.
Author’s Summary
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to struggle to compensate for Mitch Marner’s departure, as his two-way play and offensive creativity remain unmatched in their current roster.