After Mitch Marner’s trade, there was a widespread belief that the Toronto Maple Leafs would rely on their depth of forwards to step up and fill the void left by his departure. However, 12 games into the 2025-26 season, the Leafs have shown inconsistency, currently sitting tied for 5th in the Atlantic Division with a 6-5-1 record.
Key players like John Tavares (16 points), Matthew Knies (15 points), and William Nylander (15 points) have continued to keep the Leafs’ offense strong. Yet, other areas of the game have suffered. Rival teams are finding the back of the net with ease, as Toronto is allowing an average of 3.67 goals per game. Compounding their struggles is a power play that is sputtering along at just 12.5 percent efficiency—one of the lowest rates in the entire league.
Previously, with Marner on the roster, he often took on defensive responsibilities when needed. This season, however, the team’s vulnerabilities are glaringly obvious.
**Expert Opinions on the Leafs’ Playoff Chances**
Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff shared his insights on the Maple Leafs’ playoff outlook this past Saturday. “The Toronto Maple Leafs are not an elite team anymore,” Larkin stated bluntly. “I said before the season that I expected Mitch Marner’s departure to cost them five to seven wins and sink them into the Eastern Conference Wildcard mix.”
Marner, who was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights on July 1 after an impressive 102-point season with Toronto, signed an eight-year, $96 million contract as part of the deal. In return, the Leafs received forward Nicolas Roy, who has contributed just three points in 12 games so far.
While Toronto still boasts team depth, it hasn’t translated into on-ice success. Larkin elaborated, explaining that the Leafs look slower and less skilled without Marner’s dynamic presence.
“Everything I’ve seen from Toronto through three weeks confirms exactly what I suspected,” he wrote. “This is still a deep team, and maybe the Leafs are better built for playoff success, but they have to get there first. This is a far slower and far less talented team than it was with Marner.”
Larkin’s evaluation rings true, as Toronto has clearly missed Marner’s creativity and speed on offense.
**Andi Petrillo’s Take on Marner’s Impact**
On Thursday, analyst Andi Petrillo also shared her thoughts about the Maple Leafs’ struggles following Marner’s departure. She noted the team looks markedly different without him, lacking energy and that essential spark only a true star can provide.
“Even with Auston Matthews, Nylander, and Tavares, the team looks flat,” Petrillo observed. “I don’t want to sit here and say that it’s because of Mitch Marner. He’s gone, and like that, one piece is allowing everything else to crumble, but I do think that’s a factor.”
Petrillo highlighted how Marner’s absence has left a noticeable gap in the top line. The Leafs have also battled injuries throughout the season, with coach Craig Berube trying to make adjustments. Nevertheless, Marner’s departure has disrupted the team’s balance and rhythm on the ice, and the Leafs have yet to find a replacement that can truly fill his shoes.
As the season progresses, Toronto faces the challenge of overcoming these hurdles if they hope to return to contender status and make a meaningful playoff push.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/news-nhl-insider-sounds-alarm-maple-leafs-playoff-hopes-without-mitch-marner