The Real Reason the Maple Leafs May Let Mitch Marner Walk Is Hiding in Plain Sight
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Mitch Marner leaving is going to give the Maple Leafs a significant absence up front, but perhaps there's a reason why the team isn't going to gung-ho on keeping him.
While the Leafs prepare for a life without Mitch Marner, things are going to look different and while there are going to be some growing pains, there's still a lot of firepower in order to keep Toronto competitive.
Marner was a huge part of the offense and identity of the team, and though they can handle things without him, it won't be easy.
However it seems like we might have a reason why the team is trying to get some clarity and make sure Marner is making the right decision; and the right decision for everyone is if he walks.
Mitch Marner Isn't Worth The Price For A Playoff Team
You read that correctly, Marner's production in the latter half of playoff series is frankly, pathetic for someone who is looking for upwards of $15M per season next year.
Eight points, no goals, and being paid nearly $11M is a horrific combination, and while you could forgive Marner for struggling if he ended up having some successful runs, but he failed every time.
Is it his fault completely? No, but let's take a look at his production from regular season to playoffs after the COVID-shortened season:
2021-2022 Regular Season: 97 points (35G, 62A)
2021-2022 Playoffs: 8 points (2G, 6A)
2021-2022 Playoffs: 8 points (2G, 6A)
2022-2023 Regular Season: 99 Points (30G, 69A)
2022-2023 Playoffs: 14 points (3G, 11A)
2022-2023 Playoffs: 14 points (3G, 11A)
2023-2024 Regular Season: 85 Points (26G, 59A)
2023-2024 Playoffs: 3 points (1G, 2A)
2023-2024 Playoffs: 3 points (1G, 2A)
2024-2025 Regular Season: 102 Points (27G, 75A)
2024-2025 Playoffs: 13 points (2G, 11A)
2024-2025 Playoffs: 13 points (2G, 11A)
If you were to take even 10% of Marner's regular season output and translated it into his playoff production, he would be one of the best in recent years.
You're paying for more than 82 games a season, and frankly, Marner hasn't earned the amount to warrant such a huge increase.
Mikko Rantanen got $12M for eight years, and he has 21 points in the playoffs, and nearly as many assists as Marner has points.
It's a bit absurd for Marner wanting more given his lack of success, and no one should pay for a regular season player with the playoffs in mind.
However, he will get paid.
Marner's Production Perfect For Rebuilding Teams
If you don't have to worry about the playoffs, you can't really screw up in them right?
Which is why if Marner is going to a rebuilding team, he's perfect for them. Without the spotlight of the postseason and the lack of media scrutiny; it could give him a mental break he might need.
Which is why teams like Utah, Chicago, Anaheim, and San Jose all make very good options. He gets a chance to work with some budding superstars, step away from the spotlight, and get a chance to run his own offense.
They can also give him a ton of money, and with certain locations he can pay a much lesser tax bill, so that's a huge factor as well.
If he goes somewhere like Florida or Los Angeles, the pressure to do well is going to be heavier than in those other locations (especially if Florida is trying to win a potential third straight Cup).
Can Florida afford to commit so much to Marner knowing that he very well doesn't show up when needed, meanwhile they could re-sign Sam Bennett and keep their hopes alive bit more alive? Offense be damned it seems.
So it might behoove the pending free agent to take a step back and have some self-awareness.
He's definitely great, but not when it matters. Is that the type of legacy he wants? An overpaid, underperforming star who never gets it done?
If he follows the money trail, that's where he can certainly end up.
| POLL | ||
MAI 26 | 618 ANSWERS The Real Reason the Maple Leafs May Let Mitch Marner Walk Is Hiding in Plain Sight Is Mitch Marner worth over $13M per season? | ||
| Yes obviously! | 171 | 27.7 % |
| No, are you kidding? | 447 | 72.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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