NHL insider sounds alarm on Maple Leafs’ playoff hopes without Mitch Marner

After Mitch Marner's trade, there was a belief that the Toronto Maple Leafs would depend on their depth of forwards to contribute and fill the void. But, 12 games into the 2025-26 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been inconsistent. They are tied for 5th in the Atlantic Division with a 6-5-1 record.

John Tavares (16 points), Matthew Knies (15 points), and William Nylander (15 points) are still keeping the Leafs' offense strong. However, other areas have taken a hit, as rival teams are easily finding the back of their net.

Currently, the Leafs are allowing 3.67 goals per game, along with a struggling power play at 12.5 percent, one of the lowest in the league. Previously, while Marner was in the group, he used to play a defensive role when needed. But this season, their problems are easily visible.

Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin shared his thoughts on the Maple Leafs’ playoff chances on Saturday. He said the Leafs are not an elite team anymore.

"The Toronto Maple Leafs are not an elite team anymore," Larkin wrote. "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."

Mitch Marner was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights on July 1, after an impressive 102 points season with Toronto. He signed an eight-year, $96 million contract as part of the trade. In return, the Maple Leafs received forward Nicolas Roy, who has just three points in 12 games.

So, the Leafs definitely have depth, but it's not helping. Larkin explained that Toronto looks slower and less skilled without Marner.

"Everything I’ve seen from Toronto through three weeks confirms exactly what I suspected," Larkin 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 is right in his evaluation, because Toronto has missed Marner’s creativity and speed on offense.

Andi Petrillo's take on the impact of Mitch Marner's departure on Maple Leafs

Earlier on Thursday, Analyst Andi Petrillo also said the Maple Leafs look different without Mitch Marner. She noted the team lacks energy and spark, and said it feels like the Leafs miss a true star presence. Even with Auston Matthews, Nylander, and Tavares, the team looks flat.

"I don't want to sit here and say that it's because of Mitch Marner," Petrillo said. "He's gone, and like that, one piece is allowing everything else to crumble, but I do think that's a factor,"

She said Marner’s absence has left a gap in the top line. The Leafs have struggled with injuries, and coach Craig Berube is trying to adjust things. But his departure has affected the Leafs’ balance and rhythm on the ice.