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Toronto Maple Leafs: Is Matt Martin Needed For The Last Fourteen Games?

By Neal DeRosa

Jan 31, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Stephen Johns (28) checks Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matt Martin (15) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Stephen Johns (28) checks Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matt Martin (15) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2017; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers center Derek MacKenzie (17) and Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matt Martin (15) battle for the puck in the third period at BB&T Center. The Panthers won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers center Derek MacKenzie (17) and Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matt Martin (15) battle for the puck in the third period at BB&T Center. The Panthers won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite Tuesday nights thrashing, the Toronto Maple Leafs are currently one point behind both the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning.

However, with one game in hand, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still very much in control of their own destiny.

Every single shift can carry a major impact at this time in the season, and an extra goal can become a difference maker. With this in mind, you start to wonder if the offensively challenged Matt Martin is worth keeping in the lineup.

With the Islanders he was apart of what Don Cherry called “the best fourth line in hockey“. Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck made up a scary line for the opposition. Since joining the Leafs, it hasn’t felt like Martin has made the same impact.

In the Maple Leafs’ system, Matt Martin was brought onto the team in order to:

  1. Suppress shots while starting a majority of face-offs in the defensive zone
  2. Bring toughness, protection and leadership to a young group
  3. Kill penalties
  4. Chip in offensively lower in the lineup

In this article I will analyze whether Matt Martin has succeeded in each of these above criterion. In addition, I will look at whether his contribution in each is needed as the Leafs look to squeeze into a playoff spot.

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