The dust has finally settled on one of the biggest free agent losses in recent memory, and the question on every Leafs fan’s mind is a heavy one: Did the Toronto Maple Leafs do enough to replace Mitch Marner? The short answer? No. But maybe that’s the wrong question to be asking.
From an offensive standpoint, you simply don’t replace a player of Marner’s caliber. He’s one of the most dynamic offensive talents in the entire NHL, and trying to fill that void with one or two players is a fool’s errand. The front office knows this, and their offseason moves reflect a clear shift in philosophy. Instead of trying to match fire with fire, they’ve opted to build a team that can finally withstand the heat of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a grittier Identity forged this offseason
The big get this summer was undoubtedly Dakota Joshua. Don’t underestimate this signing. Joshua brings a level of size, grit, and playoff-tested intensity that this roster has been screaming for. He’s a guy who has battled through adversity and knows what it takes to win when the games get tough.
Paired with a player like Nicolas Roy, another key addition, the Leafs are signaling that they’re tired of being pushed around. Come April, when every inch of ice is a war, these are the players who will make a difference.
Lingering Questions and Trade Deadline Targets
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and roses. The offense will need to come from somewhere. Matias Maccelli is a true wild card; he could return to his high-scoring form, or he could be a non-factor. It’s a high-risk, high-reward bet. Then there are the lingering questions around players like Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf.
With a coach who doesn’t seem to favor Kampf and his $2.4 million cap hit, you have to wonder how long before another move is made. It seems almost certain the Leafs will be active at the NHL trade deadline, searching for that one extra piece of offensive firepower to put them over the top. This team is still a work in progress, but the new identity is clear: they’re bigger, tougher, and built for a different kind of hockey.
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I personally like the moves and the leafs moved on from Marner. Great player but it is clearly evident now he has always been entitled and played the victim who was unable to step up his game when it mattered. What I do not understand is why Domi is still a leaf, the guy has no place on this team, he can’t score or defend and the leafs gave him a 4 year contract when not another team would offer more that a year and predictions have him as a 1st line player….Omg. Trade Domi and Kampf, let Jarnkrok play out his final season and sign a player like Jack Roslovic and Matt Grzelcyk to one year deals. Save money for next year’s free agency while giving younger players a look this season like Cowan, Robertson and Maccelli. 3rd and 4th lines look great goal tending solid top 4 solid just left wing 2nd line and right wing 1st and a puck moving defender are the questions IMO. Roslovic can fill the right wing on the 1st line and play center when needed due to injuries and I’m certain he’ll set career highs in goals playing along side Mathews and Knies. Left wing 2nd line could be either Robertson, Cowan or Maccelli and give them a chance to actually play