Toronto Maple Leafs: Four Positive Takeaways So Far

Patrick Marleau is Immortal

Upon signing 38-year-old Patrick Marleau to a 3-year, $18.75 million contract in early July, the Earth began shaking from excessive hand-wringing.

To be fair, the reservations were warranted.

A $6.25 million cap hit is mighty hefty for a player on the doorstep of 40. Not to mention, Old Man Marleau would likely be eligible for seniors discounts around the time his contract ended.

And yet, as we creep beyond the season’s halfway point, the wily vet has proved his doubters wrong.

So far, Marleau has been relied on to alternate between both centre and the wings, while still keeping himself on pace for roughly 30 goals and 50 points. Incredibly, despite his prominent PP usage, all but 2 of those goals have come at even strength.

The man can still ball, even though he’s old enough to be my dad.

Marleau’s fancy stats paint a pretty picture as well. He can still drive possession at an above-average rate, evidenced by his 50.4% CF/60 at 5V5. This has occurred while lining up alongside Leo Komarov for nearly all of his even strength minutes. Komarov, whose CF/60 sits at 45.4%, has morphed into a possession black hole.

Yes, $6.25 million for a 50-point player may not be considered a “steal”. But, Marleau’s complete game, versatility, and fatherly love has made it a worthy investment so far.