Could the Toronto Maple Leafs Bring Patrick Marleau Back For Cup Run?

If Patrick Marleau wants to win a Stanley Cup before he retires, it’s not happening with the San Jose Sharks, so why not return to the Toronto Maple Leafs?

After scoring 27 goals in his first year with the The Toronto Maple Leafs, his game fell off in year two. Clearly his legs were catching up to his age, as he lost some of his speed and couldn’t score like before.

Although his stats decreased, he still finds himself in the NHL at the tender age of 41-years-old without a Stanley Cup. This sounds eerily similar to another Leafs player that spent a decade-plus with the San Jose Sharks.

Prior to joining the Leafs, you could make an argument that Joe Thornton was washed up and it was a bad decision for Toronto to sign him. After posting seven goals and 31 points during the 2019-20 season, many critics thought that Jumbo didn’t have much left to offer.

However, he shut all of those critics up quickly and did so playing alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner every night.

In 13 games, Thornton has 11 points and fits in nicely on the top-line. He takes a seat for Zach Hyman sometimes, but he’s still able to give the Leafs a solid 15 minutes per night and provide useful power-play minutes.

The most important part that he possesses is his leadership and likeability. Thornton brings a smile to the rink every day and is huge in the room, making players laugh and have fun. In a long grueling season, you need a leader like that to keep things light when the going gets tough.

Should Leafs Bring Marleau Back?

Marleau was instrumental in getting Thornton to Toronto, because he had nothing but great things to say about his time with the organization. However, at this point in his career, should the Leafs reunite Thornton and Marleau for one last cup run?

When the Colorado Avalanche reunited Paul Kayria and Teemu Selanne during the 2003-04 season, things didn’t work out as planned. Although both players were much younger than Thornton and Marleau, expectations were a little high for them.

If Marleau joined the Leafs, the expectations should be pretty low. In 20 games this season, he only has one goal and three points. It’s not like he’s exactly tearing up the league right now.

Marleau is approaching the 18th hole of his career and may only have one more shot at a cup. Thornton and Marleau got as far as a Stanley Cup Final with the San Jose Sharks, but couldn’t quite lift the trophy. Paired back in Toronto could help give the Leafs the energy necessary to guide them to their first Stanley Cup since 1967.

It’s not like the team would be relying on him every night to score, but instead, Marleau would be a third or fourth-line depth addition who can contribute on the second power-play, if needed. The Toronto Maple Leafs have turned back the clock with veterans this year, so why wouldn’t the same thing happen with Marleau?

Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner clearly found a bond with Marleau and his family, so if you want one more thing to motivate this team to win, bringing in another veteran presence, who the core players love could be a great move.