Maple Leafs Struggle to Replace Mitch Marner, Says Mike Zeisberger
NHL.com staff writer Mike Zeisberger discussed the impact of Mitch Marner's departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs on the latest episode of the NHL @TheRink podcast.
Marner's Departure and New Contract
Mitch Marner left Toronto this offseason through a sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. He is currently in the first season of an eight-year, $96 million contract, averaging $12 million annually. So far, Marner has recorded 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 12 games.
Maple Leafs' Performance Without Marner
- The Leafs have an 8-5-1 record after a 5-3 win against the Utah Mammoth at Scotiabank Arena.
- They rank third in the League in goals per game with 3.62.
- Defensively, they are 28th in goals-against, also at 3.62 per game.
- The power play struggles significantly, ranking last (30th) in the NHL at 12.1% efficiency.
Marner's Previous Contributions
In the previous season, Marner tallied 102 points (27 goals, 75 assists), including a team-high 33 points on the power play, which was 24.8% effective and tied for eighth in the League.
"He was seventh in voting for the Selke Trophy as the League's best defensive forward."
Team Additions and Challenges
To fill the void, the Maple Leafs added forwards Nicolas Roy (acquired from Vegas), Matias Maccelli, and Dakota Joshua, while also promoting Easton Cowan from the American Hockey League.
"Marner's departure has left a hole in the top-six forward group that needs to be filled," Zeisberger said. "Myself personally, I'm not surprised."
Summary
The Maple Leafs' struggle to compensate for Marner's departure is evident in their defensive and power play performance, despite efforts to reinforce the forward lineup.
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