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The BIG 3: Matthews, Tavares and Marner

September 16, 2019, 9:29 AM ET [346 Comments]
Lucas Neilson
Blogger •Atlantic Division Writer • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The last few weeks leading up to preseason were quite like a storm approaching land from afar. Everyone is waiting in anticipation and just before it looks like it’s going to get ugly, the wind changes direction, the sun peaks through the gloomy clouds and with a quick blink everything has settled.

Just like that everything changed and voila, Mitch Marner inks a six year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs!

The long term deal gives the Leafs three players with a salary cap hit of over 10.5 million dollars per season. On the other hand, they also have three top tier players with the most elite talent the league has to offer. The Leafs are now in position 'A', primed and polished for a big run; this is the season!

All the Leafs have to do is play their game and Babcock and his BIG 3 will surely lead the Leafs to another playoff appearance. The Buds are a younger team maturing together, add in a few additions both upfront and on the back end; the Leafs are ready to cause some damage.

Some fans will be worried of being too top heavy up front (salary wise). That’s not how I see it and here is why. The Leafs will have an incredible offense for years to come, these players are in their prime. They will make players around them better and they will also draw players in as everyone wants to win.

Who wouldn’t want to be part of the Maple Leafs cup run?

What I see is the Leafs having a number of young guns step up and play quality hockey in their younger years with the Leafs for cheap. They will also have UFA’s added to the roster who will be signed for cheap and will want to play in Toronto to win. All of these players will have one thing in common; they will be producing well above their pay level. I can see the elite talent helping the other players produce and dig harder in Babcock’s system on a winning team. Simple as that, the Leafs will find ways to make it work.

What are the odds of a 5 million dollar playing like a 10 million dollar player? (1:2 ratio)

What are the odds of a 1 million dollar player playing like a 3 million dollar player? (1:3 ratio)

Think about that for a second. Now you can see why I’m overly excited the Leafs have themselves positioned for success for years to come.

Leafs Nation is hungry to get this season going!

Tomorrow begins pre season hockey!

The Leafs will square off against the Senators in their first preseason game (5:30 pm). It’s also who the Leafs will play first game of the regular season so be sure to ink this baby on the calendar. Leafs against Senators (home opener) is Wednesday October 2, 7pm.

Toronto will play three games in the first week (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday) so we will certainly jump right into the action. Thankfully with a Mitch Marner in the lineup. When I said Marner watch was on last week I meant it, and when I had a hunch about the signing and captaincy on Friday I meant it! One down, one to go; my money is still on Matthews wearing the C.

Go Leafs Go!

Thanks for reading.
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