One of the biggest storylines this season has been Mitch Marner. After spending his entire career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the star winger moved to the Vegas Golden Knights in a blockbuster sign-and-trade that had him sign an eight-year, $96 million deal before being moved.

A significant question heading into the year was how the Leafs would look without Marner. So far, Toronto is still trying to find its rhythm in his absence.

Did Mitch Marner Just Make History in Vegas While His Former Team Stumbles?

Marner hit a new milestone on Sunday, even in Vegas’ 3–2 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild. His assist in the game gave him his 20th point of the season, making him the fastest player in Golden Knights history to reach that mark, doing it in only 18 games.

Back in Toronto, the picture isn’t nearly as bright. The Maple Leafs have lost five in a row and sit seventh in the Atlantic Division with an 8-9-2 record.

On the Barn Burner podcast, NHL analyst Jamie McLennan broke down why the Leafs are feeling the impact of Marner’s absence. He explained that there would always be an adjustment period, saying Marner wasn’t just a star player; he was the type of elite, complementary playmaker who elevated everyone around him.

“He’s a very elite complementary player. And what I mean by that is I think he’s a star, but he makes other players around him better. So you think about it… He’s an elite puck mover. A puck transporter.” McLennan said.

McLennan pointed out that Marner was the one who carried the puck into the zone. He set up the power-play breakouts. He also consistently opened up space for teammates like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Matthew Knies. “So you’re losing one elite player off your roster. I get it. And you replace it, you know, with more depth,” he said.

Toronto made in-depth additions, which included Nicolas Roy and Matias Maccelli. But they don’t replace Marner’s unique strengths. Matthews, Nylander, and Tavares are all high-end players, but the group is still adjusting to life without Marner. “They kept the same core. They’re one year older. I don’t know if they’re slower, but they don’t have a puck transporter.” McLennan concluded.

The Maple Leafs will next try to snap their losing skid against the Blues on Tuesday. Marner and the Golden Knights will face the New York Rangers the same night.