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Toronto Maple Leafs: Mitch Marner Eyeing 500 Points on Saturday

By Jeremy Ridgewell |
May 12, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) is congratulated by right wing Mitchell Marner (16) after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of game six of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) is congratulated by right wing Mitchell Marner (16) after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of game six of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews became the fastest player in team history to reach 500 points.

The Toronto Maple Leafs best player, possibly ever, achieved the milestone in 445 games, beating the previous record held by both Mats Sundin and Rick Vaive of 495 games. (Stats from hockey-reference.com)

Matthews’ teammate Mitch Marner is looking to join the 500 club on Saturday, January 7th, against the Detroit Red Wings. He is currently sitting at 499 points in 466 games. With one more point, he will become the 2nd fastest player in team history to reach 500 points.

Many Toronto Maple Leafs player records are being broken by one or both of these two players. The skill and talent that Marner and Matthews have is truly something special. Modern-day Toronto fans should consider themselves lucky. Obviously, the ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup, but fans should cherish what they see along the way.

Marner and Matthews have never finished a season below 60 points. Last season we saw Matthews finish with 106 points while Marner finished with 97. Both players could easily reach 600 career points at some point next season. Former team Captain Darryl Sittler holds the record for getting 600 points in 584 games as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto Maple Leafs Records to be Broken

If the Toronto Maple Leafs can sign Matthews and Marner long-term after their current contracts, then Mat Sundin’s record of 987 points as a Maple Leaf will get shattered. His points record is not the only record that these two will break. Sundin’s 420 goals as a Maple Leaf will be in jeopardy, as well as Borje Salmings’ record of 620 assists and Sundin’s records of 273 even-strength goals and 79 game-winning goals.

The future is bright for Matthews and Marner. If they remain as players for the Toronto Maple Leafs for at least another five-plus seasons, they will continue to rewrite the team’s record books. With that in mind, let’s hope they can break the team’s longest drought and win a championship. That would cement their place in team history and make them two of the greatest Toronto has ever seen.

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For now, let’s watch Marner reach 500 points and then enjoy the ride for all that is to follow. This pair have already done so much as Maple Leafs, and yet it feels like they’re just getting started. It truly is fun to watch. I’m looking forward to what comes next.

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