Drawing an end to his illustrious time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, standout winger Mitch Marner headed to the Western Conference to embark upon a new chapter of his NHL career with the Vegas Golden Knights. His departure was widely publicized and debated, with many believing that his absence would negatively impact the Leafs’ roster.
The Maple Leafs have had an overall bumpy ride so far, sinking to the bottom of the Atlantic Division at one point. The team has only recently experienced some kind of recovery. On the other hand, the team’s former star, Marner, has fewer goals with the Golden Knights so far this season than he did previously with the Leafs.
Mitch Marner’s Performance with the Vegas Golden Knights Falls Short
Toronto Maple Leafs journalist Dave McCarthy recently shared on social media a curious statistic showing that Marner has five goals in 29 games with the Vegas Golden Knights. After the game against the New York Islanders, Marner has six goals in total and 23 assists.Â
“Mitch Marner has five goals in 29 games with #Vegasborn
On pace for 14,” McCarthy shared.Â
Marner has been better on ice when playing for the Maple Leafs. Last season, for instance, Marner had 27 goals in 81 regular-season games with Toronto. This season, McCarthy believes that Marner will likely score 14 goals with Vegas, far short of the numbers he repeatedly put up with the Leafs.
During his time in Toronto, Marner was a crucial element of the team’s formidable Core Four, comprising himself, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares. The Leafs heavily relied on their four standout players to boost their numbers, but things look different in Vegas.
Marner isn’t scoring as many goals, but still has 29 points in 29 games. Maybe the 28-year-old winger isn’t scoring as much because there is no need to do so with the Golden Knights; despite Marner’s purported shortcomings this season, the team has still steadily held on to the top ranks of the Pacific Division. Vegas has 37 points and a 14-6-9 record, ranking second in the standings.
Moreover, it is essential not to lose sight of the fact that Marner had spent several years playing for the Maple Leafs and had developed a special kind of bond with the rest of the roster. It will be a while before the winger gets there with the Golden Knights. Having said that, the 28-year-old is not immune to criticism.
Even though Vegas has been performing well despite Marner’s shortcomings, his contract is too hefty for him to fall short. The Golden Knights looked at Marner playing for the Leafs and wanted a player of that caliber in their lineup. The media scrutiny may not be as tight as it was in Toronto, but it will still be there.
