Maple Leafs seemingly find their Mitch Marner replacement in an unlikely place

For the last couple of seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been trying to replace Mitch Marner, and now, it appears as though Auston Matthews has his guy.

When the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Jack Roslovic in the offseason, there was some uncertainty surrounding what his place in the lineup would be.

Given his friendship with Auston Matthews, some felt as though the first line was a natural spot for him. However, with a career high of 22 goals and 45 assists, there were others who felt like such an assignment would be undeserved.

Last season with the Oilers, Roslovic got off to a hot start and then tapered off, only registering 36 points in 69 games. This season has been another story, as head coach Jim Hiller immediately put him on the top line with Matthews and Kirill Marchenko.

So far, Roslovic has eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points in the first 17 games of the season. He is officially on pace for 40 goals and 89 points, which would be a career year. Of course, it's unlikely he keeps this pace, although playing with Matthews and Marchenko has been a huge help.

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While Roslovic is not expected to pick up the 100-point numbers Mitch Marner became known for at the end of his tenure in Toronto, he is still turning a few heads right now.

For instance, Leafs reporter Kevin Papetti hilariously made a sarcastic comment about Roslovic being the best right-winger Matthews has played with since William Nylander. It's a direct dig at Marner, who Leafs fans would rather forget about.

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There is no predicting how Roslovic will play between now and the end of the season. What we can say, however, is that Roslovic has been extremely impressive.

Roslovic can only get better from here

The 29-year-old forward is poised to get his linemate back very soon as Kirill Marchenko looks to work his way back into the lineup after a lower-body injury.

With Matthews, Roslovic, and Marchenko back on the top line together, the offense will keep flowing. Roslovic will continue to get better looks, and perhaps more goals.

It just goes to show that having a rapport with someone like Matthews can take you a long way.

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