Hopefully the organization (Shanahan, Dubas, and Keefe) "that has coddled and cuddled this core from the very start" has been replaced by an organization (Pelley, Treliving, and Berube) that is smarter - admittedly a low bar. So far this summer's actions - not signing either Marner or Tavares - is a positive sign.
Exactly.
We can see other positive signs coming soon too. We all know Marner can rack up points, provide solid D, QB a PP, and PK..in the regular season. What we need is for him to produce and deliver under pressure, such as the playoffs.
What if the Leafs actions create more pressure on Mitch than he has ever had before? Why not? What do we have to lose? This is not about insulting, disrespecting or humiliating Marner it is about making moves that are good for the team.ane expecting him to get in line and rise above the sulking or the media questions or the pressure to deliver.
(1) Do not sign him to an extension and only consider doing this if he delivers this year, especially in the playoffs.
(2) Do not give him an "A" this year. Matty has the C, Tavares has an A...Rielly should wear the other A every night, like he has the last few years. Let's not take that away from Mo just to keep Mitch happy. BTW, I have Tanev, McCabe and possibly Nylander ahead of Marner for the next A anyway. Be a leader without a letter.
(3) Do not staple him to Matthews. Domi works with Matthews and let's have him be a PPG player for under $4M. Let Marner drive a line, or share driving a line with Nylander. I would like to see Marner get Willy to 50 goals. Either Nylander or Holmberg centres that line and JT goes where he belongs as maybe the top offensive 3C in the league.
(4) Let Domi take Marner's spot on PP1. We should explore two units (and then a super unit once in a while). Let Marner drive PP2. This kind of shakeup is required because PP1 does not work on the playoffs for us. Work on it all year.w
(5) Maybe elevate some younger guys "profile wise" also. Let Knies, Woll and even Cowan get some of the plum press and profile. Let Marner feel less like he is revered as a god.
These can all feel like punishments, they can also feel like moves to make the change we know we need, to become a winner, to change the culture.
If he is not on board with these types of moves then that is an indicator and we let him walk, he does not perform under the pressure of these tweaks and moves, then that is an indicator and we let me know walk.
If he smiles, works hard, performs, puts team over personal stats and if this leads us to new places then we consider singing him after the playoffs a d before July 1