Is Marner’s success a wake-up call for Matthews in Toronto? – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

Mitch Marner is having the postseason of his life — and it’s raising some uncomfortable questions in the minds of Maple Leafs fans. Not only are Toronto fans looking back on Marner’s exit from the organization and if it was a mistake to let him go, but there should be concern that Auston Matthews is watching these contests and wondering if the grass might be greener elsewhere.

Marner Changed Story After Leaving Toronto

Traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade last summer, Marner has looked like a completely different player since joining a new team at a different location. The 29-year-old currently leads the entire NHL in playoff scoring with 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists) through 14 games, including two highlight-reel goals and two strong performances. He has already eclipsed his previous playoff scoring streak and is thriving in a dynamic role under coach John Tortorella.

In Vegas, Marner found a new sense of freedom. He’s free, he’s not under the pressure of being everything to everyone. He is away from media scrutiny and is in a new place that has opened up his game. Many observers note that escaping the stressful Toronto chef seems to have rejuvenated him mentally and on the ice.

Meanwhile, in Toronto, captain Auston Matthews is at a crossroads.

With two years remaining on his four-year, $53 million ($13.25M AAV) contract, Matthews expressed uncertainty about his future with the Maple Leafs. Fans aren’t trying to run him out of town like they are against Marner, but recent reports indicate that Matthews is waiting to see how new GM John Chayka reshapes the roster this summer before making a full-time commitment.

After another disappointing season that ended with the playoffs and a coaching change, the pressure is still on, as Matthews watches other teams and players close to him achieve unparalleled success.

Is Matthews Watching Marner and Wondering, ‘What If?’

Marner and Matthews form one of the league’s most powerful duos for years. Now, watching Marner thrive as a key contributor on a contending Vegas team — complete with deep playoff runs and moments in the spotlight — should keep him focused and motivated as he tries to decide his future.

There will be no shortage of teams that will make room for him, most of them will be rivals trying to find the last piece that passes them. For example, look at Minnesota. They are arguably one top line center away from being a powerhouse.

Is Marner’s resurgence a preview of what Matthews can accomplish elsewhere? If Matthews had joined the Wild, and Quinn Hughes, would he have put himself in a position to win? Maybe he wonders if Toronto’s environment is holding him back.

Matthews, who has become one of the NHL’s leading scorers, has repeatedly said that he wants to win the Stanley Cup in Toronto. Marner said that for years. Then things went sideways. The media and fans turned on him, and he chose to leave, even though Toronto was still considered the best. Now, there is uncertainty about how Toronto’s program will compete. Matthews is not out, but wants to win. Maybe the timelines are out of sync.

Marner’s success in Vegas is a living example that sometimes a change of scenery is just what a star needs to elevate their game. For Matthews, the clock means he believes Toronto can provide that same opportunity.