I wish I had an update on Mitchell Marner, but unfortunately, I don't. So, here are my thoughts on why we need to get this done. The Maple Leafs had two very good lines. I am sure that John Tavares would get his share of points one way or another; there is no doubt he would. But I am here to say that John would not have had a career year without Mitchell Marner.
Marner and Tavaras connect. If Tavaras is the coffee, Marner was the sugar and cream to go with it. Tavaras's success is vital to making the Leafs successful. John needs Marner giving him the biscuit to succeed.
Mitch was the leading scorer, with 94 points, and the leader in assists with 68. He was especially deadly on the powerplay, setting up Tavaras and Matthews on a one-timer. He is the best play-making forward on the team. No one can pass like him. Mitch is known for his hockey IQ; he is always thinking ahead. His job is to help Tavaras succeed as much as possible.
Marner is a gifted forward, but that is not his only asset. He is a leader who does what it takes to get the job done. He is tenacious in his play. He never quits; he expires his teammates to be better. Mitch is involved in every aspect of the game. If they are behind by one goal, he is on the ice making the pass to the player who has the best chance to score. But what makes Marner so valuable is he is also the one who is diving to block a shot — taking the hit to get the puck out and distributing the puck to the other forwards to the offensive zone.
The last point of getting him signed is what are the Leafs showing their fans if they don't get it done? When it comes down to it, who are the fans in a business? They are the customer, and it is the business goal to always to keep the fans happy. There is pressure on both sides to get this done. Management knows the Leafs' window is now. Marner knows they are the best chance for him to get his ring. The ultimate goal is the cup. The Leafs don't get that if they don't sign Marner.
