The Maple Leafs are still trying to find their footing, sitting at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with an 11-11-3 record, far from last year’s first-place finish.
A big storyline around their slow start has been the absence of Mitch Marner, who was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights over the summer. Many feel his absence has been a major factor in their inconsistent play, and now William Nylander is offering his take on how the team is adjusting without him.
Nylander Discusses How the Maple Leafs Are Adapting Without Mitch Marner
Marner had been a key part of Toronto’s identity for nine seasons, anchoring the team alongside Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander as part of the well-known “Core Four.” But despite all the regular-season success, his recent playoff struggles drew plenty of criticism, and that pressure ultimately factored into his departure.
In a conversation with The Athletic, Nylander reflected on Marner’s departure. “We miss him,” Nylander said. “But that hasn’t changed anything for me. In the beginning, it was weird because you know, but now you’re used to him not being here.”
Without Marner, Nylander has taken on a bigger workload, averaging more than 20 minutes per game for the first time in his NHL career.
Nylander said the strangest part has been losing Marner’s loud, upbeat presence in the locker room. Pointing to the empty stall beside him, he admitted it “sucks” not having Marner around, but added, “But we’re not focused on that. It’s just a little adjustment.”
The Leafs have had to rethink their entire power-play setup without Marner. They’re still working to replace his steady presence at the top of the first unit, and lately Matthews has been the one taking over that responsibility. Losing Marner’s right-handed shot has also thrown off the balance of a group full of lefties, creating another puzzle the team is trying to solve.
“For a long time, it was the four of us together,” Nylander said of the Core Four. “So yeah, things feel different.” At first, he realized he was passing too much, almost trying to mimic Marner to fill the gap left by his departure. Eventually he realized he needed to stop forcing plays and start attacking the net more.
Also Read: Maple Leafs Make It A Point To Side Eye Mitch Marner After Auston Matthews’ Latest Feat
Nylander has certainly stepped up. He’s become one of the league’s top playmakers, ranking near the top in assists at both five-on-five and overall. So far this season, he has 11 goals and 32 points in just 21 games.