Toronto Maple Leafs: What to Expect from Patrick Marleau

The Toronto Maple Leafs are leaning on their youth for success but the veteran players still have a key role.

When you look at the Toronto Maple Leafs potential opening night roster, the vast majority of those players are under the age of 30.

Clearly, the Leafs are in win-now mode and their youthful core that has yet to reach their peak will be counted on to lead the team to the promised land. While watching the young talent do its thing will make for an exciting season ahead, the experienced players still play a vital part in making it work.

One such veteran is Patrick Marleau, who  recently turning 39. While Marleau is jokingly seen as the “father” of players like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, (shown here from this picture posted by Christina Marleau) he provides veteran leadership and can still be an effective player for the Leafs.

Let’s take a look at what we can expect from Marleau in his second season in the Blue and White.

What has he done lately

Last summer, Marleau left the only team he’s ever known, the San Jose Sharks, to join the Leafs on a 3-year, $18.75 million contract as per CapFriendly. He went on to have a productive first season in Toronto.

Over 82 games, Marleau recorded 27 goals, 47 points, a 49.8 % Corsi-for.  Additionally, he ranked 28th in voting for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy since he only registered 16 PIM.

In the playoffs, Marleau registered 4 goals, 5 points, and a 46.7% Corsi-for (5v5).

While his overall numbers aren’t what he was capable of producing in his prime, Marleau is still an effective player judging by his stats.  Though buoyed by power play production, Marleau still scored an impressive 27 goals last year, however his overall stat profile suggests a declining player (the Leafs allow a lot of shots against when he is on the ice).  It is hoped that his role as a veteran on the team supersedes his decline and allows him to maintain his effectiveness.

Last season Marleau produced second line offense and bad defense.  That suggests that perhaps he should be moved lower in the lineup, however the Leafs (so far) have had him on the wing with Auston Matthews.   Perhaps this is smart because Matthews tends to make everyone around him better and Marleau is still a great skater.

That said, he’s 39 so there is always the risk that his game falls of a cliff.

What is he getting into?

Last season, Marleau enjoyed a lot of success playing on a line with Marner and Nazem Kadri in the second half of the year as per Mike Johnston of Sportsnet. This season, he may find himself with new linemates, which isn’t a bad thing.

Back on July 1st, Mike Babcock told Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun that he envisions Marleau being lined up alongside Mathews and William Nylander. This is a combination that can do some damage and this could help Marleau increase his offensive production.

Way back on opening night last year against the Winnipeg Jets, Marleau’s first goal as a Leaf was because of a great pass from Matthews. This highlights the potential of what this line can do in the coming season.

Matthews is fresh off of a strong sophomore season despite missing time with injury, while Nylander remains a consistent scorer and should provide the trio solid puck handling skills (once he signs his deal of course). Put these two with an experienced player like Marleau, and this line has the chance to do wonders offensively.

It is, however, worth questioning whether or not a player like Kasperi Kapanen or Andreas Johnsson wouldn’t do better than Marleau in the same role at this point.

What can he do in 2018-19?

Entering his 21st NHL season, Marleau doesn’t appear to be showing any signs of a dramatic regression all across the board. While his offensive production isn’t the same as it was at his peak, he can still provide the Leafs with some secondary scoring.

For his efforts, Marleau now gets a chance to play alongside Matthews and Nylander to start the new season.

Currently boasting one of the longest active ironman streaks in the NHL as per BarDown, Marleau remains a durable player and has done a fabulous job staying in good shape. The Toronto Maple Leafs will definitely appreciate having him on the ice throughout the coming campaign.

The past few seasons have seen his offensive stat line remain fairly consistent, which could remain so in 2018-19. A 25+ goal and 45+ season is not out of the question and could increase due to his potential linemates.

In short, Marleau isn’t ready for Father Time just yet and will once again be a key veteran leader for this youthful Toronto Maple Leafs team. Given that he’s once again wearing the ‘A’ on his sweater, he’s more than up to the task.

Thanks for reading!

All stats unless otherwise noted are from Hockey-Reference.com.