Who do you think is more likely to be a playoff performer? Matthews is likely dealing with some kind of issue, (all damn season), but he's still out there throwing the body and winning puck battles. How many posts has he hit so far?!? His shot is off, but if it was dialed in he could have 3, 4, 5 goals.

Mitchy-poo has avoided physical contact at all costs. There was a play a few games ago where the Leafs shot the puck into the O-zone and Marner was the first one in the zone. He checked up and floated in the slot, while Knies flew past him and went after the puck. Now, admittedly, I don't know the intricacies of hockey positioning or how Berube draws up offensive zone pressure, but it just stuck me as Marner basically thinking, "well, I don't want to go into the corner and risk getting hit."
- Whipper

The same issue most playoffs?

Wait so Marner was never going to be moved because he has a NMC but Reilly who also has a NMC will be easily moved.

Ya that makes perfect sense.

- Cush29

Two completely different situations if you took more than six seconds to think about it.

Rielly has been here the longest and is from BC. If anybody needs a change of scenery, it's him.

Marner was a pending UFA. There's no incentive for him to accept any trade.

Rielly, on the other hand, already has his contract so if the team tells him it's time to move on, he can either plant his feet and be stuck in an environment where he is unwanted or he can start picking teams. Much different than Marner who can play out his contract and walk into UFA status.

Is it though? Unless the Leafs go on a VERY deep run and prove that the strategy of having that much of your cap tied up in 4 forwards and one D man can pay off and deliver more than what it has (1 series win in 8 years) how can they not look at having to part ways with Marner and maybe JT too?

The folks here who are saying "Trade Reilly, Trade Willy, Trade Matthews" & pretending these guys with full no trade clauses are going to waive them are fooling themselves or playing a hockey video game in GM mode.

Willy loves Toronto and isn't leaving during this contract full stop. Get used to it and move on.

None of the other guys are likely to waive so the 2 guys who eat up big chunks of the cap space are Marner and JT who are UFA's so those are the only pieces you can likely move to create that flexibility needed to make big changes and hopefully change the culture, & attitude of this team and hopefully find more post season success.

Marner is an incredible player but saying things like you have to keep all your best players all the time is shortsighted and a sure fire way to have them continue to deliver that they have shown they can - which isn't enough.

"The Leafs are doomed without Marner nor would they make the playoffs" - that's just a joke to even think never mind type.

Are they better or worse without Marner? That depends entirely on what they bring in with the flexibility they gain by allowing him to walk IMO.

Berube calling out the 1st line (rightfully so) after last night. I hope that inspires them but who knows really.

https://athlonsports.com/...ch-marner-line-after-loss
- Cush29

Keep willy
We are stuck with Morgan for a bit.
If they get tossed in the 1st or 2nd round...Im sure matthews would waive depending on team.
But as Ive always said....I dont see Tre doing that.

It’s hard to break the habit of losing.
Leafs are proof.
They are scared to death of losing, rather than trying to win.

That said,

GO LEAFS GO!!!!

Willy is gone.

I have rock solid info.

Willy is gone.

I have rock solid info.
- Tanooki

That's a weird thing to name your Richard.

Tracks well though.

Willy is gone.

I have rock solid info.
- Tanooki

That's a poor move since whomever they trade for can't play for them until next year.

That's a poor move since whomever they trade for can't play for them until next year.
- AdamFrench

That's a weird thing to name your Richard.

Tracks well though.
- Rare_Jewel

Willy is gone.

I have rock solid info.
- Tanooki

You've had rock solid info for years. The only confirmed thing here is that you're an idiot.

Keep willy
We are stuck with Morgan for a bit.
If they get tossed in the 1st or 2nd round...Im sure matthews would waive depending on team.
But as Ive always said....I dont see Tre doing that.
- Fakepartofme

Agreed. It is pretty doubtful they ask Matthews to waive, especially if they know he has been injured most of the year.

If they fail miserably again though, it is not a stretch to think he would welcome a trade to a number of American markets. I doubt you would need to hold a gun to his head.