Maple Leafs embark on the Mitch Marner-less chapter in Toronto

Maple Leafs Progress Without Mitch Marner

, and ASMedia

2025 September 20 . 1:54 AM

2 min read

Toronto Maple Leafs embark on the post-Marner chapter in their hometown

Maple Leafs embark on the Mitch Marner-less chapter in Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are locked in a thrilling battle in Round 2 of the NHL playoffs. As the series reaches its climax, the Leafs are preparing for a decisive Game 7 at home.

Captain Auston Matthews, who was hampered by a lingering upper-body injury for much of the previous season, is feeling "really good" ahead of this crucial match. Matthews, who saw his goal total drop from 69 to 33 compared to the previous season, will be eager to make an impact in the final game.

In an effort to bolster their offensive firepower, the Leafs have acquired new forwards Nicolas Roy, Matias Maccelli, and Dakota Joshua. Roy, who was acquired in a sign-and-trade deal with the Vegas Golden Knights, joins the team alongside Maccelli and Joshua, both of whom are new additions to the Leafs' roster.

The Leafs' head coach, Craig Berube, enters his second camp without last season's leading scorer Mitch Marner, who has left the team and joined the Vegas Golden Knights. Berube will be looking to his new forwards to step up and fill the void left by Marner's departure.

The Leafs' front office has also undergone changes, with the non-renewal of Brendan Shanahan's contract leading to the appointment of Jim Rutherford as the new president of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Rutherford, who takes over from Shanahan, will play a crucial role in shaping the team's future.

Despite the changes, the Leafs and Panthers remain evenly matched, with both teams tied in the series. The stage is set for an exciting Game 7, with the winner set to advance to the next round of the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Matthews and Marner had a "tough" conversation when Marner decided to leave the team. The two players had built a strong on-ice relationship, and their separation will no doubt be felt by the Leafs' faithful.

As the Leafs prepare for Game 7, they will be looking to their new forwards to step up and help them secure a hard-fought victory. With Matthews leading the charge, the Leafs will be hoping to continue their playoff run and bring the Stanley Cup back to Toronto.