Willie seems like the only guy who is growing to hate losing and his competitive fires are burning brighter year over year. You can see the shape of a veteran leader forming from that. He gives me the most hope combined with his on ice contributions.
Matthews looks like he’s been though a lot health wise. He has enough ability to figure it out even though I don’t think he’s got the fire of a Mackinnon or McDavid that would propel him to top of class. But he can figure it out.
Marner looked very young out there. I don’t think he’s capable of leading a playoff winner by demeanor or physical build but if the price point was okay I don’t think he should be the automatic scapegoat. He’ll bring you to the dance but will puke all over himself from the nerves. That’s the deal.
Tavares is a terrible culture setter. Seems like a nice guy but his corporate friendly generic messaging is a big part of what’s wrong with the Leafs. Seems like a participation trophy kind of guy as someone mentioned above.
Rielly is the low key becoming very problematic for me. He comes across as a nice guy who is supposed to be emotionally relatable, is sad about losing, but if actions speak louder than words is okay with losing - cause it’s hard to win. He’s the most “DeMar” in his outlook.