Toronto Maple Leafs: Patrick Marleau Embracing Role of Team Dad

Patrick Marleau is the most senior member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. This places him in a role as the team mentor and dad.

When Patrick Marleau made the tough decision to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs, debates were had about what role he’d have with them. 34 games in, he’s arguably a top line forward, ranking third on the team in average ice time among forwards (though it’s worth noting the Leafs roll three lines and sometimes four). Marleau has 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points. He’s on pace to hit the 20 goal plateau for the 15th time in his career.

However, Marleau is used to this role. He fulfilled it for virtually his entire tenure with the San Jose Sharks. With the move to Toronto, there’s been another role Marleau’s been asked to fill – team dad. It’s one he has embraced. In a recent tweet, Patrick’s wife even referred to Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner as “Patrick’s boys”.

Mentor

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The “team dad” role is hard to define. But like all excellent father figures, Marleau’s been asked to be a mentor. The Maple Leafs are led by their youth. Specifically, Matthews (20 years old), William Nylander (21 years old), and Marner (20 years old) do a lot of the heavy lifting. They were a huge part of the Maple Leafs’ return to the postseason last year.

But the trio is still young. Even the most talented kids need guidance. Marleau’s been more than happy to give it to them. And he’s a fantastic guy to learn from. Marleau hasn’t survived nearly 20 seasons by just being skilled. He’s done it by outworking everyone and by being a borderline perfectionist with his routine. The growth and maturity showed by Matthews, Nylander, and Marner has been very impressive. Marleau’s played a huge role in it.

“It’s a home run for us,” said Leafs head coach Mike Babcock, via Sportsnet. “I had Nick Lidstrom and now I have Patty Marleau. Those are fine, fine, fine human beings to say the least. They make people better.”

Friend

The best dads out there are also their kids’ friends. Marleau has spent a lot of time with Matthews and Marner, who are good friends off the ice. Their dynamic has been hilarious, to say the least.

“Everybody says that Patty’s got four kids at home and two on the road because he kinda takes care of me and Mitchy,” Matthews said. “It’s been awesome.”

Like any good dad, Marleau tries to be hip. And Matthews and Marner aren’t afraid to call him out on it.

"“He’s caught on to little catch phrases and shortcuts texting,” says Matthews, proudly. “Ask Mitch. I texted ‘HBU’ — how ’bout you? — and he asked Mitch what that meant. He thought that was the funniest thing.”"

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Marleau’s contract was controversial before the ink got dry. He’s making $6.25 million a year on average over the next three years. Ironically, if Marleau does his job really well, Matthews, Nylander, and Marner could force his exit from Toronto with their respective pay raises. Perhaps this is the reason Toronto made his contract so front-loaded.

But if the Maple Leafs win their first Stanley Cup since 1967 with him on the team, he’ll be able to get one of those “best (team) dad” coffee mugs.