Maple Leafs Struggling to Replace Marner, Zeisberger Says
NHL.com writer Mike Zeisberger discussed the Toronto Maple Leafs’ current challenges after losing forward Mitch Marner, during the recent episode of the "NHL @TheRink" podcast. According to Zeisberger, the team may need to explore the trade market to compensate for Marner’s absence and the impact he had over the past nine seasons.
Marner’s Departure and New Chapter
Marner joined the Vegas Golden Knights this offseason through a sign-and-trade deal. In his debut season with Vegas, he has earned 14 points — three goals and 11 assists — in 12 games. His eight-year, $96 million contract includes an annual average value of $12 million.
Leafs’ Current Performance
After a 5–3 victory against the Utah Mammoth, Toronto stands at 8–5–1. The team ranks third in goals per game (3.62), but is struggling defensively, ranking 28th in goals against (3.62) and 30th on the power play with a success rate of just 12.1 percent.
Last Season’s Marner Impact
Last season, Marner scored 102 points, including 27 goals and 75 assists. He led Toronto in power-play production with 33 points (six goals, 27 assists), helping the Leafs finish eighth in the League on the power play at 24.8 percent. He also placed seventh in Selke Trophy voting for best defensive forward.
New Acquisitions and Challenges
The Maple Leafs have brought in Nicolas Roy from Vegas, along with Matias Maccelli and Dakota Joshua. They also promoted Easton Cowan from the American Hockey League. However, Zeisberger noted that Marner’s absence has left a clear gap among the team’s top-six forwards.
“Myself personally, I'm not surprised.” — Mike Zeisberger
Author’s Summary
The Maple Leafs are performing inconsistently and facing difficulties filling the offensive and defensive void left by Mitch Marner after his trade to the Golden Knights.