Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs fans were not too kind to their beloved team after a brutal loss, and singled out Mitch Marner‘s exit as a key factor for the sudden downfall.So much hoopla was made about the entire Mitch Marner situation, from locker room turmoil to fan backlash and supposed harassment to his eventual sign and trade with the Vegas Golden Knights; the headlines were dominated by his name all summer.
With the Golden Knights reaping the benefits and his former team, the Toronto Maple Leafs faltering, it seems like Marner may have chosen the better path for him, as much as it may have stung Leaf fans.
Fans Voice Frustrations; Wish Mitch Marner Was Still Around
However those fans who supposedly hated Marner so much are certainly missing him right about now.
Social media was flooded with comments from Maple Leafs fans who were tired of the team’s inability to get things going, and pointed to Marner leaving as the key reason why everything has seemingly fallen apart:
It’s no surprise that Mitch Marner is a very, very good hockey player but who would have thought that he was the entire glue that held the team together?
Auston Matthews has not looked the part of superstar this season, and while he’s had his chances, he has not capitalized like he would with Marner by his side.
The defense dropped off a cliff, and while Marner never played the blueline except for perhaps the man advantage, he was one of, if not the team’s best defender up front and he made sure the team’s penalty kill was efficient and dangerous.
Why Mitch Marner’s Absence Is Hurting Toronto
This season albeit in only 10 games, he has outstanding possession numbers and has only been on the ice for four goals against as opposed to 22 goals for in the same span.
Toronto has a ton of talent and there’s no reason why they should be floundering in such a way.
Yes, there are new faces and that takes time, but we’re seeing uncharacteristically bad judgement calls and puck-watching; for a team that needs to pay attention they seem blissfully unaware.
Otherwise the defense isn’t great up front, and asking Max Domi or Matias Maccelli to play elite in their own end is unfeasible.
While the Maple Leafs may not miss his constant complaining, distractions, and effect on the locker room, there’s no denying that Mitch Marner brought them results.
Right now, that’s what the fans care about, and Toronto is falling short of their expectations.
Previously on Hockey Patrol