Mitch Marner's Exit Forces Maple Leafs to Confront Harsh New Reality
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Mitch Marner's departure is going to be a tough pill to swallow for the Maple Leafs, but it's going to lead to a huge identity change that will affect not only 2025, but the future of the team altogether according to the NHL Network.
Losing Mitch Marner was always going to be a bit of a double-edged sword for the Maple Leafs. On one hand, they don't have to deal with the distractions and Marner's constant complaining regarding his opportunities.
But on the flip side, they are losing a 100-point player and those don't necessarily grow on trees. It's all part of the new game plan though where depth and hard work wins out over pure skill.
Toronto Can't Give Up During Mentality Shift
For the NHL Network's Mike Rupp and Brian Boyle they believe the team is going to struggle; but that's not the end of the world.
Both men discussed the team's future without Marner and Boyle started off explaining that the team isn't going to be the same powerhouse fans have come to expect:
I'm curious to see what this does in the room after 20, 30, 40. There's no question he was a fantastic regular season player, some questions in the playoffs but he's elite, he's an incredible player, there's no doubt.
I think moving on from him might bring their point total as a team down during the regular season, whether they are more prepared to face Tampa Bay or Florida, I wonder how it looks down the road. You know how the media is in Toronto, I wonder if they are mature enough to to realize this is a different look, different approach.
Tops in the Atlantic doesn't mean anything, look at Florida; they were third, they never started a series at home. I think that approach is what is the biggest difference; can they handle that noise? Is the depth coming in going to provide something we might not see right away?
I think moving on from him might bring their point total as a team down during the regular season, whether they are more prepared to face Tampa Bay or Florida, I wonder how it looks down the road. You know how the media is in Toronto, I wonder if they are mature enough to to realize this is a different look, different approach.
Tops in the Atlantic doesn't mean anything, look at Florida; they were third, they never started a series at home. I think that approach is what is the biggest difference; can they handle that noise? Is the depth coming in going to provide something we might not see right away?
Rupp also gave his thoughts, explaining that the team is better overall suited for a long push even with Marner out:
I go back to when the Panthers won the President's Trophy. They weren't happy where they were, where they could feel they could win in the playoffs.
I'm not saying the Maple Leafs are better without Mitch Marner but the team structure and dynamic might be better to win come playoff time. This is the best depth pieces, intangible type players I've been waiting 10 years for from these guys.
Knies, Matthews, Nylander, Tavares; the new Core Four if you will. Maccelli is going to be a nice add. Joshua, Domi, Roy, McMann, Laughton, Lorentz, they are all gritty guys, will themselves, and noe you have you lean on those guys.
For a franchise who never gave value or equity to these depth players, they have to do that in the regular season and it's going to pay dividends come playoff time.
I'm not saying the Maple Leafs are better without Mitch Marner but the team structure and dynamic might be better to win come playoff time. This is the best depth pieces, intangible type players I've been waiting 10 years for from these guys.
Knies, Matthews, Nylander, Tavares; the new Core Four if you will. Maccelli is going to be a nice add. Joshua, Domi, Roy, McMann, Laughton, Lorentz, they are all gritty guys, will themselves, and noe you have you lean on those guys.
For a franchise who never gave value or equity to these depth players, they have to do that in the regular season and it's going to pay dividends come playoff time.
So can the Maple Leafs depth weather a season without Marner?
Toronto's Depth A Key Asset; No More Prima Donnas
We have seen the stark contrast between the Maple Leafs' depth this season compared to last and it's quite apparent that Marner was a huge factor in getting the team to the top of the division.
But with him gone, there's no excuse for the team not to pick up the slack as a unit. Domi needs to be more consistent; same with Nick Robertson. Nic Roy has some adjustments to do but he has to hit the ground running at some point.
Bobby McMann needs to build off a 20-goal season, and it's up to newcomers Joshua and Maccelli to make an impact.
But no one is under more pressure than Auston Matthews, who is going to be looked at to carry the bulk of the offense, and while he can certainly do it, there's no reason for the team to rely on him solely to score.
They have scorers, they have playmakers. The team isn't hopeless, but the mindset has shifted from star power to collective strength.
Does that mean the team is guaranteed to make it to the Conference Finals? Absolutely not, and there's so many other factors that can cause roadblocks this season/
They've set themselves up for success though, and it might be a much different look this season in more ways than one.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 31 | 1157 ANSWERS Mitch Marner's Exit Forces Maple Leafs to Confront Harsh New Reality Is Mitch Marner leaving Toronto a good or bad thing? | ||
| Good | 907 | 78.4 % |
| Bad | 250 | 21.6 % |
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