The difference is Matthews was noticeable, he was putting pucks on net, he was hitting, he was generating offence. He literally hit the post more times than Marner did.. Well... Anything.

And he did this despite Marner absolutely killing any offensive drive by relentlessly turning the puck over or making some ridiculous junior league play.

Their shortcomings are not in the same department.
- joel878

You’re right on all points. The play died on Marner’s stick more often than not. He also had some open nets on his backhand and wouldn’t take the shot.

However I wouldn’t trade him based on that, way too soon in my opinion. Last year Dubois was a beast in the playoffs and disappeared this year. We need more from our supporting cast. We’re like Colorado, every time a team focuses on MacKinnon they’re history.

It would be nice to have a shooter from the back end. When Muzzin is your biggest threat you have problems.

Marner looked engaged, too. But also scared. I think Marner had or created more offensive opportunities than people are willing to admit. But he absolutely disappeared at times too.
- UsernameUnknown

What little offense he did generate was completely lost in what a liability he was every time he stepped on the ice for me. It got to the point I assumed the play would die on his stick and the puck would be going the other direction.

We know JT/Marner works well.

AM can carry a line...Did it when he was 19.

Nylander can tear up 3rd line matchups.

Used to be how they beat teams a few years ago...attacking them with 3 lines. The top heavy lineup has done some damage as well but I'd like them to at least entertain that.
- Santo_44

I think they used that for one year...with babs.
The past several years where they've had the most success, it was load up the top lines with some combo of AM, MM, JT, willie.
As we've seen, you need more than one scoring threat on each line.
I dont see Keefe going back to Babs lines.
Could be wrong...but he hasnt done in 2 years.

Matthews didn’t get the job done. Marner didn’t make him shoot over the net. Marner killed penalties. Matthews hit people. Neither did what they were paid to do.
- Canada Cup

There's plenty of disappointment and blame to go around. But fans like to magnify it all on one guy and leave it at that. I hope they're both around in TO next year and prove them wrong. But just getting into the playoffs next year will be a challenge for the Leafs. I guess we'll see.

I'm still rooting for the Kraken now.

You’re right on all points. The play died on Marner’s stick more often than not. He also had some open nets on his backhand and wouldn’t take the shot.

However I wouldn’t trade him based on that, way too soon in my opinion. Last year Dubois was a beast in the playoffs and disappeared this year. We need more from our supporting cast. We’re like Colorado, every time a team focuses on MacKinnon they’re history.

It would be nice to have a shooter from the back end. When Muzzin is your biggest threat you have problems.
- shack67

I'm not advocating to 'dump' him based on 7 games or because he's complete and total garbage even though I can see how it comes off like that.

I'm advocating he be traded because I believe the team needs less reliance and to be less restricted cap wise by the top 4 forwards. I believe Marner at what he brings vs cap hit is absolutely the odd man out and since he signed his extension there's been little to prove he should be kept over Matthews, Tavares or Nylander. That and he would be one hell of a trade chip.

I think they used that for one year...with babs.
The past several years where they've had the most success, it was load up the top lines with some combo of AM, MM, JT, willie.
As we've seen, you need more than one scoring threat on each line.
I dont see Keefe going back to Babs lines.
Could be wrong...but he hasnt done in 2 years.
- Fakepartofme

Depends on who they add imo.

The fact Dubas is "swinging for the fences on a player" just isn't going away.

If they do that and bring in another high end player then maybe they can.

if they add a couple 3rd line players then no.

You’re right on all points. The play died on Marner’s stick more often than not. He also had some open nets on his backhand and wouldn’t take the shot.

However I wouldn’t trade him based on that, way too soon in my opinion. Last year Dubois was a beast in the playoffs and disappeared this year. We need more from our supporting cast. We’re like Colorado, every time a team focuses on MacKinnon they’re history.

It would be nice to have a shooter from the back end. When Muzzin is your biggest threat you have problems.
- shack67

The Leafs back end had great two way play all season and playoffs as a whole. The Leafs production from the back end is what kept them in the series this year.

Wow.

I've seen lowball offers before.

But WOW.
- Scabeh

You guys are really falling for this obvious trolling?

You guys are really falling for this obvious trolling?


- Fakepartofme

It's spatso.

What can I say, I love my classics.

You guys are really falling for this obvious trolling?


- Fakepartofme

The scary thing is it isn't coming off as trolling at all. It's as if he actually believes it.

I don't give a single heck about Marners goal total. Fake is right, he's not much of a scorer. I'm not saying he didn't suck, and I'm not saying he isn't overpaid, because those are seperate issues, but if Marner had 0 goals and 10 assists in those 7 games and moved on to round two, nobody is complaining.

There's been nobody in here for the past 2+ weeks saying 1 goal in 7 games is good enough for the goddamn Rocket Richard winner. People are too scared but I don't care. He played better than Marner, but I dont care. Get (frank)ed. Marner and Matthews dragged each other down. If Matthews scores, Marner gets points. Then everybody is happy. Neither should need the other given their cap hits, which I'm well aware of, but plucking Marner as the only scapegoat is crazy.
- UsernameUnknown

This all day.
I have said several times that Matthews was just as bad as marner...but people freak out.
Matthews disappeared the last 3 games.....the habs shut him down so bad most times he looked like he didnt know what to do.

BUT MARNER GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!


Seriously though, you want 10.9...you gotta play like it 80% of the time.

The scary thing is it isn't coming off as trolling at all. It's as if he actually believes it.
- joel878

Im sure a part of him does.

This all day.
I have said several times that Matthews was just as bad as marner...but people freak out.
Matthews disappeared the last 3 games.....the habs shut him down so bad most times he looked like he didnt know what to do.

BUT MARNER GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!


Seriously though, you want 10.9...you gotta play like it 80% of the time.
- Fakepartofme

Matthews looked engaged and confident

Marner looked scared and not confident

Think that is why people are on Marner

Not to overly defend Matthews here.

But the Danault effect needs to be considered.

How many points did Kyle Connor or Wheeler get?

How many points are Pacioretty and Stone getting right now.

Guy is an expert defensive forward.
- Scabeh

Carey Price effect.

Carey Price effect.
- bixll

That too.

There are very few teams willing to take on Marner's cap hit. Hard for Leafs to do a deal where it works for the other team.
- spatso

Don't be silly.

There's a ton of teams willing to take that cap hit especially after the bonus is paid out.

You guys are really falling for this obvious trolling?


- Fakepartofme

if spatso is really dedicated to playing a dumb person for 10+ years to troll the long game.

good for him

That too.

- Scabeh

By FAR the larger affect.. Not 24.

Matthews looked engaged and confident

Marner looked scared and not confident

Think that is why people are on Marner
- Santo_44

The final 3 games he did not look confident at all.
He couldnt do a damn thing.

But ya Marner the last 3 games he was scared for sure.

He is 23. Relax.
- Santo_44

He is 24. And the "relax" schtick is ironic AF.

By FAR the larger affect.. Not 24.
- bixll

Nah, they shut down the passing lanes and shooting lanes for AM and MM, the habs did a great job, neither had room to do anything.
They did the same against the peg.

Nah, they shut down the passing lanes and shooting lanes for AM and MM, the habs did a great job, neither had room to do anything.
They did the same against the peg.
- Fakepartofme

I'm sorry, did I forget to ask you if I was allowed my opinion.

He is 24. And the "relax" schtick is ironic AF.
- mjones242

Sh!t gets serious at 24.

It's quite simple. The Leafs just need to add Barclay Goodrow and Blake Coleman so that their top players can score at near historic paces and win the Cup!

He is 24. And the "relax" schtick is ironic AF.
- mjones242

If that is the case, kids should not get paid much until they are 24.