Editor In Leaf
Fansided

Toxic Toronto Maple Leafs Fans Need a Reality Check

By Shaun Filippelli

Apr 15, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Large flags are carries by the fans during the anthem of game three of the first round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Large flags are carries by the fans during the anthem of game three of the first round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs
Apr 29, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) skates with the puck against Vancouver Canucks in the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Rid the Roster of It’s Most Prolific Performer

The Toronto Maple Leafs fail as a group and the answer is, therefore, to run one of their best offensive talents out of town? Give me a break.

I understand that Mitch Marner hasn’t yet done enough to make his mark as an impact playoff performer in Toronto. However, neither has the team around him. Perhaps he’d have a chance to satisfy your need to align his point totals with his talent if the Maple Leafs as a whole played past the First Round.

Of course, his contributions — or lack thereof, in this case — are a necessary portion of the bigger picture. Yet, Marner’s inability to mirror his 2020-21 results was not the only thing this city lacked.

In fact, he outproduced eight of his non-goalie teammates who also participated in all seven contests against the Canadiens.

Although four assists in seven matches obviously aren’t enough from a postseason perspective, ignoring that he racked up 67 points through 55 games played during the year doesn’t support the argument that he’s incapable. He can produce and he continues to prove that.

Marner has quickly turned into a point-per-game (P/GP) player, as he elevates to new heights every subsequent season. He’s utilized in a variety of situations, led the team in points through three of the past four campaigns, and had the highest average ice time among Toronto forwards last year.

An Expected Annual Increase

2016-17: 0.79 P/GP
2017-18: 0.84 P/GP
2018-19: 1.15 P/GP
2019-20: 1.14 P/GP
2020-21: 1.22 P/GP

If the Maple Leafs want to continue trending in the right direction, they need Marner’s progress. Whether you choose to recognize that or not.

Sure, it would have been great if he accomplished in the playoffs what he had during the rest of their schedule. That shouldn’t mean the lack of support around him is off the hook. They all lost, together.

While I can understand pointing to his nearly $11 million AAV as a rationale for the higher volume of criticism Marner must now face, it was his right to capitalize as he did when he was able to.

Marner is 24 years old. He has ample time ahead of him, including four more years on his current contract, to prove what more he can do. Hopefully, if logic prevails, he’ll still be in Toronto when he finally does break out in the playoffs and showcase why he’s worth every penny.

Will you be as ready to defend the deal when they win, as you are to criticize it after they lose?

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