NHL: Preseason-Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn — Maple Leafs head coach has faith in forward awaiting a contract extension. (Credit: IMAGN)

HC Craig Berube can't help but overuse $65,418,000 Maple Leafs star's expansive skillset

Modified Oct 28, 2024 16:30 GMT

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube admitted he’s been overusing Mitch Marner after Saturday’s overtime loss to the Boston Bruins.

Marner played around 26 minutes in that game, which Berube said was more than he planned. He explained that penalty kills and overtime added to Marner’s time on the ice.

"I overused him last night, but with penalty kill and overtime, it got a little extended," Berube said, per mapleleafshotstove.com. "That is on me to try to work that a little bit more. I have to not use him so much on the penalty kill, but he is an extremely good penalty killer."

Marner, who is in the last year of a six-year, $65.41 million contract signed with the Maple Leafs, is a hot topic due to rumors surrounding his extension.

He currently averages 21:40 of ice time, while Auston Matthews plays about 20 minutes per game. Berube thinks these numbers are reasonable but could change depending on the game.

"That is a good number, depending on the night," Berube said. "With all-situations guys like that, they have PK, PP, and five-on-five responsibilities. They are going out there against the best lines every night. They are going to get work."

So far, Marner leads the team with 10 points in nine games, including nine assists. Though his plus-minus rating is currently lower than usual at -3, Berube believes Marner will adjust with time.

His playmaking remains strong, with four multi-point games in his last seven. He seems on track for another strong season in assists, continuing his playmaking role for the Leafs.

Maple Leafs fell 4-3 to the Boston Bruins in OT loss

The Toronto Maple Leafs fell 4-3 to the Boston Bruins in overtime on Saturday, despite an early lead and a comeback late in regulation. Matthew Knies put Toronto on the board first, scoring just 35 seconds into the second period. The Bruins quickly responded, with David Pastrnak scoring to tie it 1-1.

The Leafs regained the lead at 7:44 with a goal by Morgan Rielly, set up by Mitch Marner, during a 4-on-4 play. However, Boston evened the score again, with Justin Brazeau capitalizing on a rebound.

Just 36 seconds later, Mark Kastelic gave Boston a 3-2 lead. In the final minutes of the third period, Matthews tied it 3-3.

In overtime, Pastrnak set up Brad Marchand’s winning goal. Coach Craig Berube said: