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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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Feb 14, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss (1) talks to Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matt Martin (15) during warm ups prior to their game at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss (1) talks to Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matt Martin (15) during warm ups prior to their game at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Chipping in Offensively 

Has Martin succeeded here? 

Prior to this season, Martin had a relatively respectable goal-scoring resume with 0.60 5v5 goals per 60 over the past three years. Unfortunately, his production has dropped this season to 0.43 G/60 and 0.64 P/60. Some of this could be due poor centermen to play with but one cannot feel too bad for him in this category due to his personal inability to create scoring chances.

Answer: No.

Is this needed for the rest of the season? 

This is where I think the Leafs need an improvement. Ever since the Leafs traded for Boyle, the Leafs’ fourth line has spent many shifts in the other teams’ zone. During these times, Martin’s narrow offensive skill-set has been exposed more than ever.

As mentioned earlier, Martin’s skill-set is harming the fourth line’s ability to gain the zone. It is far easier to create scoring chances when carrying the puck in rather than dumping it into the zone. Far too many times, the line is forced to dump the puck in and try to gain the puck back with their forecheck.

If this line continues to generate scoring opportunities, they might want to look for a better option to convert these chances.

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