The Toronto Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner: A Partnership Worth Keeping

After the Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs in May, attention immediately turned to core players such as Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander.

The prevailing thought of many, after another postseason washout by the Toronto Maple Leafs, was that a major shakeup was needed. Someone from the “Core 4” had to go.

Despite a down season, Matthews and his collection of NHL hardware would not be going anywhere unless he suggested it. Captain Tavares said he would not waive his no-movement clause.

So, Nylander and Marner became the focus of speculation around a trade. Thus far, general manager Brad Treliving has resisted the temptation of sweeping changes.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner: A Partnership Worth Keeping

Marner recently hosted his All-Star Invitational charity event. It was the latest example of his active involvement in the community. It’s just one of the reasons why he is a player the organization should want to keep around for a long time.

Marner is a local GTA product who wants to help his hometown team win. He is respectful and thoughtful when dealing with the media.

He embraces the spotlight that the Toronto market brings, recognizes the privileges that come with it and chooses to focus on the positive aspects that surround it. He even has a little fun with it, as a recent outing with Canadian royalty showed.

Not all players, local or otherwise, choose to play under the microscope of Toronto.

Players like him, Morgan Rielly, and Tavares set the example of how you want your organization represented. They all have incredible on-ice talent to go with off-ice professionalism.

Marner has consistently been a top fifteen to twenty player during his career. He plays in all situations and he regularly leads the team’s forwards in time-on-ice.

He has exemplary vision and play-making skills. An elite goal-scorer like Matthews is supplemented by his extraordinary passing. By trading a player of his skill set you are unlikely to get equal value in return, just ask the Calgary Flames.

Yes, he has faults. Being physical is not part of his game. His playoff resume is lacking. Yet, other players can do the physical work and Marner has demonstrated improvement in his recent postseason performances.

There is not enough loyalty in pro sports, from both players and management. A young fan should be able to buy their players’ favorite jersey and not have to change the nameplate within a couple of years. Rare are the days of a player remaining with one team for the entirety of their career.

You don’t need a team full of Mitch Marners, but when you have him you don’t get rid of him. Mitch Marner as a Toronto Maple Leaf feels right. It’s a partnership worth keeping.