John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
In six games without his Toronto Maple Leafs linemate, teammate and friend, Mitch Marner has four goals and 10 points. And in the 60 games he has played in which Auston Matthews hasn’t, Marner has 74 points. Not too shabby, as they say.
But is Marner actually a better player without Matthews? He’s certainly more productive, and when you watched how he took over the game Saturday night against the Edmonton Oilers, which the Leafs won 4-3 on Marner’s overtime goal, it’s hard not to think that Marner can lead a team without Matthews’ help.
And that prompts a couple of interesting questions, doesn’t it?
First, should the Leafs split the two of them up when Matthews returns?
More importantly, does this stretch of play embolden Marner and give him the confidence to know that he can be the alpha male for an NHL team if he signs somewhere else after this season?
Here’s more in today’s video column:
(Don’t see the video? Click here.)
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News Summary:
- Is Mitch Marner Better Without Auston Matthews?
- Check all news and articles from the latest NHL updates.