Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images As the Toronto Maple Leafs gear up for a future without Mitch Marner, the NHL team is working to bring in a potential replacement for Marner, and as reports suggest, they are considering William Nylander as a replacement. It has recently come to light that Forward Matthew Knies has suggested that William Nylander could step into Marner’s shoes alongside Auston Matthews on the top line, a move that could keep the team competitive without forcing a costly trade.Earlier, William Nylander said Mitch Marner was a “great teammate” and an “incredible person,” and scoffed at the notion that the forward was already looking to leave the Toronto Maple Leafs midway through last season. Let’s take a look at the team’s decision to proceed forward with William Nylander.
The Maple Leafs are considering William Nylander to step into Marner’s shoes
After Mitch Marner’s exit, the Maple Leafs are considering William Nylander to step into Marner’s shoes on the team. In a chat with The Toronto Star, Knies pointed out that the Leafs already have the right player for the job. This idea is attractive from both a hockey and a financial perspective. With Toronto facing an already difficult situation, avoiding another blockbuster move will allow the club to maintain assets while still ensuring Matthews has an elite partner.Meanwhile, William Nylander and Matthews are no strangers to each other, as they have spent most of their NHL careers as teammates, giving them a natural chemistry that could be tapped into more consistently. While the Leafs have typically kept them apart at even strength to balance their scoring threats, the loss of Marner may push the team to reunite the two stars on a permanent basis.In fact, it will be an added advantage too if both Nylander and Marner collaborate, as it could provide the Maple Leafs with a potent top-line duo capable of carrying the offensive load.
Nylandar’s view on Mitch Marner’s decision to leave the Maple Leafs
William Nylander called Mitch Marner a “great teammate” and an “incredible person,” while dismissing speculation that the forward had one foot forward and was already looking to leave the Toronto Maple Leafs midway through last season. Speaking at the NHL/NHLPA European Player Media Tour on Friday, Nylander said Marner remained committed to Toronto throughout the 2023-24 season despite rumors about his future.
Did Nylander’s comments calm fans’ bitter feelings towards Marner?
“Not sure where that stuff comes from, but I don’t think he was ever thinking of leaving ahead of time,” Nylander told NHL.com. “I actually asked him during the season, and he said he was concentrating on Toronto. I didn’t want to press him on that and let him be because it was obviously on his mind, but his play was focused on helping us. Then I asked him after the season, and he wasn’t sure.”It is to be noted that Mitch Marner, who gained a career-high 102 points last season, was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights in a July 1 sign-and-trade, securing an eight-year, $96 million contract. Also read: “When Connor is ready, we’ll get a deal done”: Edmonton Oilers CEO confident in extension talks | NHL News – Times of IndiaNylander admitted it was tough to see him go, but expressed happiness that Marner chose his destination. “It’s tough seeing him go, but I’m so happy for him and his family. “We’re going to miss him a lot, but that’s just the business of the sport,” he said.