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Toronto Maple Leafs: Team is looking for answers in the early season

By Richard Jelinek

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 6: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Vancouver Canucks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 6, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Canucks 5-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) ** Local Caption *** Mitchell Marner
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 6: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Vancouver Canucks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 6, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Canucks 5-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) ** Local Caption *** Mitchell Marner /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the most historic teams since the NHL was formed. Plenty of memories, memorable goals, and players who rose to the top with skill, toughness, and Stanley Cups.

The Toronto Maple Leafs of the present have been their worst enemy, both on and off the ice. The roster is the biggest issue, with the offense being the least of the problems.

Over the past 15 years, the Maple Leafs have not fared well in the playoffs, not making it to the 2nd round in quite some time. The problem? No defense and the offense dries up.

The Maple Leafs are a regular-season team that dominates for 82 games. Once we hit the most important time of the year they fold like a tent.

The ugly trend most likely will not change unless moves are made. The team is tightly up against the cap and any moves will be the Maple Leafs shredding salary.

The majority of the teams’ money is in the offensive group, mainly captain John Tavares, sniper Auston Matthews, and Mitchell Marner. However, as elite as these players are, the team needs help on defense as well as scoring on the 3rd and 4th lines.

With the focus being on the big 3, the Maple Leafs struggles continue this season because of lack of production. When it comes to Mitch Marner it’s always complicated (theleafsnation.com) Matthews, Marner, and Tavares have combined this season for 1 goal and 3 assists, a dreadful 4 points.

If the team does make a move this season it very well could be Marner for some prospects and defensive help. Marner is providing the least and has the most moveable contract.

The Maple Leafs are only able to move certain players as Tavares has a no-movement clause. Wayne Simmonds, Jake Muzzin, Morgan Reilly, T.J. Brodie, and Justin Holl all have a no-trade clause.

The Maple Leafs are up against the cap so they will have to get creative. The current cap hit is $83.5 million with $0 cap space and $1.53 tied up in long-term reserved contracts.

With defense being an immediate need there are also needs for depth. The Maple Leafs are low on depth and big-time prospects in the organization so a trade to get prospects and developing them throughout their minor league system may be another route they take.

The time has come for changes in Toronto. They have one of the most prolific offenses in the league but year after year they do not show up in the playoffs or advance past the first round.

The current edition of the Maple Leafs are not built for the playoffs. They need to turn things around before they miss the playoffs entirely.

Will Marner be traded? Will they make other moves to strengthen their defense and prospect pool?

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