Player Discussion Mitch Marner

[DarkKnight]

Will be interesting to see if they have any desire to go into Boston and show everybody they are as good or better than Pasta.

I expect to see Matthews, Marner, Nylander and Reilly all come out inspired. We've had a good run of games, Boston bested us, the response is more important than the result last night imo. Bruins only got a point tonight, blew a lead, we take care of business tomorrow, it's a huge moment for Marner and the others.

 

[authentic]

I don't know how you can know the sport, watch every game this team plays, and NOT realize Mitch Marner is the best player on this team.

He is the ENGINE of this team.

Offense. Defense. PP. PK. Elite. ELITE!

So underrated.

You’re stating he’s better than Matthews?

 

[DarkKnight]

You’re stating he’s better than Matthews?

Better and “engine” for me are two different questions. Maybe “most important” is a valid discussion.

 

[Maple Leaf]

I don't know how you can know the sport, watch every game this team plays, and NOT realize Mitch Marner is the best player on this team.

He is the ENGINE of this team.

Offense. Defense. PP. PK. Elite. ELITE!

So underrated.

i would trade marner

 

[Martin Skoula]

Bourne and Bunkis said post game, he’s back to being “the engine of the team”. They aren’t wrong, as pretty much everyone is in agreement, so who’s “best” is probably the wrong question. Is Marner the most important player? Given how he gets all the flack for failures too, isn’t that an admission that yes he is? It’s an open question.

As an aside, I hardly have anyone on ignore here, but I really recommend it for the stooge patrol here, did it last year and love not having to read the useless tripe. Total waste of time, zero value added.

Marner is the most important by design based on where Keefe has him in most of the tactics when he’s on the ice. Good for him that he can handle it but it also makes us fragile because when big teams shut him down we only have Nylander as a plan B who’s got consistent reps being the puck dominant transition guy. It would be much better for us if Marner was one of several engines on the team that we can swap on the fly as the game dictates. Matthews sometimes being the puck dominant transition piece and Marner having the time and freedom to find soft spots on the ice to exploit makes us more versatile and resistant to Marner getting targeted.

 

[BTP]

i would trade marner

you also have a jake gardiner avy and he was a mistake machine so not sure i can trust your judgement lol

 

[ZEBROA]

I would trade him to, but only because the team seem to step up when missing important players.

Kidding i would not trade him. But he need to step up playoff time. I got a feeling he will.

 

[DarkKnight]

Marner is the most important by design based on where Keefe has him in most of the tactics when he’s on the ice. Good for him that he can handle it but it also makes us fragile because when big teams shut him down we only have Nylander as a plan B who’s got consistent reps being the puck dominant transition guy. It would be much better for us if Marner was one of several engines on the team that we can swap on the fly as the game dictates. Matthews sometimes being the puck dominant transition piece and Marner having the time and freedom to find soft spots on the ice to exploit makes us more versatile and resistant to Marner getting targeted.

Perhaps this is why the top heavy model of the Dubas era failed, too much emphasis on a Marner, making the opposition game plan easier. We really need to feast on the PP in the playoffs. that’s where all this stuff is negated, if we could capitalize here then sawoff 5 v 5 it’s a winning formula.

 

[LeafsFan89]

I expect to see Matthews, Marner, Nylander and Reilly all come out inspired. We've had a good run of games, Boston bested us, the response is more important than the result last night imo. Bruins only got a point tonight, blew a lead, we take care of business tomorrow, it's a huge moment for Marner and the others.

I see your point. But how many times have they failed in "big moments". It's really hard to believe in this core after the last 8 years.

 

[DarkKnight]

I see your point. But how many times have they failed in "big moments". It's really hard to believe in this core after the last 8 years.

I’ve been as frustrated as anyone, my summer posting isn’t exactly supportive or defending anyone, we’ve failed and failed and failed. So, yes sceptical, but look at Reilly last year, it suddenly clicked in the playoffs, perhaps all this failure will finally galvanize these guys. We did win a round, only to be caught in the afterglow against Florida, the series was over before we woke up.

During the regular season I enjoy wins, as a Leafs fan we can all recall the John Mitchell days, what we’re seeing now is remarkable in many ways. Does Matthews 70 goal season not count? Does Marner breaking records mean nothing? No it is very meaningful, but it’s irrelevant to the playoffs, as is understood by everyone. I compartmentalize my feelings, I’ll enjoy the now for what is I, with a trepidation for the ultimate prize.

I just hope there is a maturity that finally gets us over the hump, and personally I find this years team much more likeable than some previous iterations. Less vanilla, more personality and more of a team. Will it translate, who knows? I won’t bet on it lol.

 

[Gary Nylund]

I’ve been as frustrated as anyone, my summer posting isn’t exactly supportive or defending anyone, we’ve failed and failed and failed. So, yes sceptical, but look at Reilly last year, it suddenly clicked in the playoffs, perhaps all this failure will finally galvanize these guys. We did win a round, only to be caught in the afterglow against Florida, the series was over before we woke up.

During the regular season I enjoy wins, as a Leafs fan we can all recall the John Mitchell days, what we’re seeing now is remarkable in many ways. Does Matthews 70 goal season not count? Does Marner breaking records mean nothing? No it is very meaningful, but it’s irrelevant to the playoffs, as is understood by everyone. I compartmentalize my feelings, I’ll enjoy the now for what is I, with a trepidation for the ultimate prize.

I just hope there is a maturity that finally gets us over the hump, and personally I find this years team much more likeable than some previous iterations. Less vanilla, more personality and more of a team. Will it translate, who knows? I won’t bet on it lol.

I think everyone can decide for themselves how meaningful things are, or aren't. For mself (and I think many others), anything that happens during the regular season is overshadowed by our 7 consecutive seasons of sub .500 playoff hockey and I would trade 70 goals for winning even just one more game in the playoffs. There's nothing that compares to the excitement of playoff hockey, especially when the team goes deep. Team accomplishments (or lack of them) is what really matters as it's a team game after all but that's me, if you want to worship individuals then again, that's your right.

If you want to "compartmentalize" our playoff failures that's great, whatever makes you happy. Others think that playoffs are the most relevant and most interesting thing to discuss, and not just for the two weeks that the playoffs exist for us. That seems to make you angry so you yell at people and I guess that's also your right though constantly yelling insults at clouds does nothing but stir up conflict.

Marner's consistently a great player for 86 games a season, then the "engine" seems to run out of steam. Maybe it's the coaches fault for playing him too much, maybe it's "shambles in the brain", who the hell knows. We all hope he figures it out one of these days, we all want the team to win after all and if I'm being honest, yes I'm especially worried about him because I fear we will sign him to a billion dollar contract whether he figures it out or not so if he never does, we're f***ed. It's the big money guys that need to lead the way if this team is to do anything in the playoffs ever, Marner's one of them so let's hope he figures it out, pronto. And same goes for Matthews, who gives a f*** about 70 goals if he can't bring it in the playoffs, not me, that's for damn sure. And if these guys never figure it out, they'll never be the greatest Leafs of all-time in my book as up to this point, the most bright memories have been provided by guys like Sittler, Salming, Gilmour, Sundin, Clark etc. who played like the star players like they are when it mattered most.

 

[nsleaf]

I think everyone can decide for themselves how meaningful things are, or aren't. For mself (and I think many others), anything that happens during the regular season is overshadowed by our 7 consecutive seasons of sub .500 playoff hockey and I would trade 70 goals for winning even just one more game in the playoffs. There's nothing that compares to the excitement of playoff hockey, especially when the team goes deep. Team accomplishments (or lack of them) is what really matters as it's a team game after all but that's me, if you want to worship individuals then again, that's your right.

If you want to "compartmentalize" our playoff failures that's great, whatever makes you happy. Others think that playoffs are the most relevant and most interesting thing to discuss, and not just for the two weeks that the playoffs exist for us. That seems to make you angry so you yell at people and I guess that's also your right though constantly yelling insults at clouds does nothing but stir up conflict.

Marner's consistently a great player for 86 games a season, then the "engine" seems to run out of steam. Maybe it's the coaches fault for playing him too much, maybe it's "shambles in the brain", who the hell knows. We all hope he figures it out one of these days, we all want the team to win after all and if I'm being honest, yes I'm especially worried about him because I fear we will sign him to a billion dollar contract whether he figures it out or not so if he never does, we're f***ed. It's the big money guys that need to lead the way if this team is to do anything in the playoffs ever, Marner's one of them so let's hope he figures it out, pronto. And same goes for Matthews, who gives a f*** about 70 goals if he can't bring it in the playoffs, not me, that's for damn sure. And if these guys never figure it out, they'll never be the greatest Leafs of all-time in my book as up to this point, the most bright memories have been provided by guys like Sittler, Salming, Gilmour, Sundin, Clark etc. who played like the star players like they are when it mattered most.

That's rich, considering the creepy name calling you've thrown out at Marner supporters in this thread alone.

 

[Gary Nylund]

That's rich, considering the creepy name calling you've thrown out at Marner supporters in this thread alone.

Such as? If you're referring to terms such as "ankle biters", "cranky attention seekers", "a few insecure people", "bottom feeders", I agree that's not called for but none of those insults just from the last couple of pages were from me.

Then there's "Narssasistic" but in case you don't remember, it was you who used that one (I assume you just misspelt narcissistic).

I believe I did use the word creepy at one point but I'm pretty sure I was referring to a post, not a poster. I try to quote people when I'm responding, I've never understood people who rant about things that people have never said.

 

[francis246]

You’re stating he’s better than Matthews?

Marner at the top of his game is a better overall player than Matthews is at the top of his game.

Only because Marner’s overall game is more balanced. He can defend at a high level, pass and move the puck and also score. Not to mention Marners transition game when he is feeling it, is probably among the best in the NHL.

That doesn’t mean Marner is the best player, but when both are cooking, Marner is way more noticeable than Matthews.

 

[francis246]

I just don’t think he is worth re-signing for 12+ mil, you know he will get more than Willy. I don’t see how Leafs need to move forward with Marner making that much. I really don’t. Unless Leafs win the cup in 2024, then pay him whatever you want. I don’t care. For 12 mil, you have to step it up in the playoffs and lead your team somewhere.

Resigning Willy was honestly a huge mistake IMO.

He’s not as good as Matthews and Marner. He played Treliving and we fell for it. Willy should have been moved in the off-season while is value was high.

If people think Matthews and Marner didn’t live up to their contracts it’s going to be a long 8 years with this Willy contract IMO

 

[666]

Resigning Willy was honestly a huge mistake IMO.

He’s not as good as Matthews and Marner. He played Treliving and we fell for it. Willy should have been moved in the off-season while is value was high.

If people think Matthews and Marner didn’t live up to their contracts it’s going to be a long 8 years with this Willy contract IMO

Yeah, we just have to accept that with his amazing offense comes his train wreck defence and laziness. At least Nylander is fun to watch in the offensive zone. He's also a year older than M&M and that contract is going to hurt when he slows down.

 

[Arzak]

Such as? If you're referring to terms such as "ankle biters", "cranky attention seekers", "a few insecure people", "bottom feeders", I agree that's not called for but none of those insults just from the last couple of pages were from me.

Then there's "Narssasistic" but in case you don't remember, it was you who used that one (I assume you just misspelt narcissistic).

I believe I did use the word creepy at one point but I'm pretty sure I was referring to a post, not a poster. I try to quote people when I'm responding, I've never understood people who rant about things that people have never said.

sarcastic narcissist = narsasstic

No one watching this should think Marner was good in the playoffs last year. Good point numbers sure, but actual play and driving offense was terrible.

Most of his point highlights you'd think he was a defenceman.

Just a reminder, anyone can watch it and point me to a single instance of great (forget brilliant) playmaking displayed by Mitch Marner.

 

[Gary Nylund]

Marner at the top of his game is a better overall player than Matthews is at the top of his game.

Only because Marner’s overall game is more balanced. He can defend at a high level, pass and move the puck and also score. Not to mention Marners transition game when he is feeling it, is probably among the best in the NHL.

That doesn’t mean Marner is the best player, but when both are cooking, Marner is way more noticeable than Matthews.

More noticeable doesn't equate to better. I think Marner's more noticeable because of his style of play - he's like a water bug whereas Matthews is just quietly effective. There's a reason Matthews has won a Hart trophy and came second in the voting one year and Marner has a couple of votes total for his entire career. The voters aren't wrong, that's my opinion anyway.

Resigning Willy was honestly a huge mistake IMO.

He’s not as good as Matthews and Marner. He played Treliving and we fell for it. Willy should have been moved in the off-season while is value was high.

If people think Matthews and Marner didn’t live up to their contracts it’s going to be a long 8 years with this Willy contract IMO

Willie's taken a big step forward this year, I see no reason to say resigning him was a mistake. He's the only one of our big 4 who's production doesn't drop in the playoffs, to me that's worth a lot!

 

[DarkKnight]

That's rich, considering the creepy name calling you've thrown out at Marner supporters in this thread alone.

I'm sure it's directed at me, so glad I can't see or read it. Bottom feeders with nothing of merit to offer. I couldn't possibly care less.

Marner at the top of his game is a better overall player than Matthews is at the top of his game.

Only because Marner’s overall game is more balanced. He can defend at a high level, pass and move the puck and also score. Not to mention Marners transition game when he is feeling it, is probably among the best in the NHL.

That doesn’t mean Marner is the best player, but when both are cooking, Marner is way more noticeable than Matthews.

Marner at the top of his game is probably more valuable to the team. I think that fair comment.

 

[Craig Button]

Marner is the most important by design based on where Keefe has him in most of the tactics when he’s on the ice. Good for him that he can handle it but it also makes us fragile because when big teams shut him down we only have Nylander as a plan B who’s got consistent reps being the puck dominant transition guy. It would be much better for us if Marner was one of several engines on the team that we can swap on the fly as the game dictates. Matthews sometimes being the puck dominant transition piece and Marner having the time and freedom to find soft spots on the ice to exploit makes us more versatile and resistant to Marner getting targeted.

Keefe and Babcock

 

[Martin Skoula]

Keefe and Babcock

Babcock ran the stretch pass and chip and chase most of the time, Marner wasn’t really puck dominant until we were set up in the ozone. Keefe’s breakouts have Marner getting a lot more neutral zone touches.

 

[daveleaf]

Mariner is a very good player the problem is this team is not balanced and I'm not sure if they can get there with what assets they have left. They might need a reset here where one is sacrificed to hopefully get forward. It's time for Shanahan to be on the line this summer, I believe he has worn out the run way here.

 

[Gary Nylund]

Mariner is a very good player the problem is this team is not balanced and I'm not sure if they can get there with what assets they have left. They might need a reset here where one is sacrificed to hopefully get forward. It's time for Shanahan to be on the line this summer, I believe he has worn out the run way here.

That we traded for Bushy shows that we're staying the course so IMO expect Marner to be resigned for billions and brace yourself for another decade of irrelevance.

If it was me, I'd do a massive reset. Trade all our expiring deals if I can, keep Matthews, Nylander, Rielly and our youth/prospects, tell Marner that he either takes the exact same deal as Willy and when he says no to that, convince him to waive his NMC because he won't be here past next year. Restock the prospect pool and rebuild the D with an eye to rising once again when the JT deal is up.

Vegas didn't have a single player over PPG last season and they won the cup. It should be obvious to anyone by now that while it's great to have high end talent, a top heavy cap structure isn't exactly ideal, especially when all that cap is allocated to forwards.

 

[Gary Nylund]

sarcastic narcissist = narsasstic

Just a reminder, anyone can watch it and point me to a single instance of great (forget brilliant) playmaking displayed by Mitch Marner.

Crickets.

I just watched it all, yeah not exactly "Neo in the matrix" as someone described Marner the other day. Maybe he'll show the world some "Mitch magic" in the upcoming playoffs, I'm not holding my breath but I guess you never know.

I'm sure it's directed at me, so glad I can't see or read it. Bottom feeders with nothing of merit to offer. I couldn't possibly care less.

Marner at the top of his game is probably more valuable to the team. I think that fair comment.

Don't you worry about a thing buddy, everything's gonna be OK. You just keep yelling at clouds and posting about things you don't care about and we'll take care of everything.

 

[authentic]

Marner at the top of his game is a better overall player than Matthews is at the top of his game.

Only because Marner’s overall game is more balanced. He can defend at a high level, pass and move the puck and also score. Not to mention Marners transition game when he is feeling it, is probably among the best in the NHL.

That doesn’t mean Marner is the best player, but when both are cooking, Marner is way more noticeable than Matthews.

That’s a huge no from me dawg, but it is close