Jacques Martin weighs in on Mitch Marner being a "lost cause" for Toronto Maple Leafs owing to continued playoff disappointments 

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Jun 20, 2024 11:46 GMT

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Long-time NHL coach Jacques Martin expressed his opinions about Mitch Marner being labeled a "lost cause" for the Toronto Maple Leafs due to his continued disappointments in the playoffs.

On "The Leafs Nation" podcast, Martin shared his thoughts on Marner's performance, acknowledging that he might not have had the best season or playoffs this year. Despite that, Martin reckons Marner is still a top-tier player.

He also emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with players as a coach, recognizing that each player is unique and requires a tailored approach to get the best out of them:

"I think maybe this year he hasn't had as good of a season or as good a playoff as you'd like. But he's still a top-end player," Martin said. "And I think it's difficult to get those players. The key is to be able to build, as your coach, relationships with those players to be able to work with them on a day-to-day basis.

"Each individual is different. You have to have a different approach with each player," he added.

Martin also stressed the necessity of highly skilled players for success in winning, stating that star players need to shine in crucial moments, but also emphasizing the vital role of depth players in contributing to the team's overall performance:

"I think because you need highly skilled players to win. Yes, you also need a lot of that. I think that a lot of times you win the Stanley Cup, your star players have to excel. But at the same time, your depth players out to perform; they got to bring you a contribution," he said.

The Toronto Maple Leafs faced another first-round exit in the playoffs this season, losing in Game 7 to the Boston Bruins. Goaltending and a lack of goals were some of the main reasons for the club's early exit from the playoffs.

The team's resilience on the "Core Four" players, including Mitch Marner, has not yielded significant playoff victories, with only one series win to show for it. The situation suggests that a change in the core group might be necessary for the Maple Leafs to achieve better playoff results.

Against the Bruins, Mitch Marner only had three points, and given his perceived struggles in playoff situations, there is a suggestion that he could be the most apparent candidate for change within the core group to potentially enhance the team's better results in the postseason.

Insider provides latest on Mitch Marner's ongoing trade saga

Top hockey insider Darren Dreger recently provided a major update on the ongoing trade saga involving Marner.

On the "FirtsUp" show, Dreger said:

"I think Treliving would rather extend than trade."

Dreger also said the Maple Leafs are reportedly leaning towards keeping Marner on the team, although there's no certainty that they won't trade him in the future:

"I believe, based on people that I’ve talked to, again, as we’re having this conversation, Marner’s preference is to play out his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He’s got one year remaining. It doesn’t mean he’s going to walk out the door after next year," he added.

Mitch Marner has one year remaining on his $65.4 million contract. His contract has a full no-movement clause and will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024–25 season.