While many want him traded, per the numbers, Mitch Marner has been the best RW in the NHL over the last two years
Through 10 games this season, Mitch Marner has 2 goals and 9 points, but has struggled on the defensive side of the puck - like most of the Leafs currently. Most notably, during Sunday's game in Anaheim when he was responsible for two horrendous turnovers that both led to two Anaheim goals.
While the Leafs as a team are struggling and people are calling for massive change, they have been one of the best offensive teams over the past couple of seasons. On top of that, Marner has actually been the best right winger in the game according to the numbers, as you can see below.
-106 5v5 Pts (1st)
- 39 5v5 Gs (1st)
- 164 Pts (1st)
- 55 Gs (3rd)
- 125 P1 (1st)
- 3.29 5v5 P/60 (1st among all players)
- 59.95 xGF%
- 1.26 P/60 (2nd)
Marner is in the top three in a number of key offensive categories with one of the most notable being third in goals among right wingers with 55. Why is that notable, because Marner has always been a pass-first type of player, so to be third in goals over the past couple of seasons shows how his overall game has grown. He's right up there with the likes of Patrick Kane and David Pastrnak - two players who are often ranked above him when talking about RWs.
With the Leafs struggling desperately at 5-on-5, particularly Matthews and Marner, there should not be as much concern as there is right now. Not after just 10 games. They will rebound. The numbers over the past couple of years point to an overwhelming likelihood that it will be soon and if Marner's 5-on-5 production the past couple of seasons is any indication, once they get rolling, they will be unstoppable.
For anyone saying the Leafs should trade Marner, it would literally be impossible for the Leafs to get a better winger in return. Everyone needs to take a step back and let the Leafs, and more specifically Marner and Matthews, figure things out. The wins are coming.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 2 | 227 ANSWERS While many want him traded, per the numbers, Mitch Marner has been the best RW in the NHL over the last two years Do you think the Leafs should trade Marner? | ||
| Yes, even if we take a loss in the deal | 32 | 14.1 % |
| No - that's a trade you lose every time | 195 | 85.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
