Toronto Maple Leafs struggle without Mitch Marner, Mike Zeisberger breaks it down

The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to play against the Utah Mammoth tonight, Wednesday, at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The game will start at 7 p.m. ET and can be watched on TVAS, SN, Utah16, and streamed on ESPN+.

The focus during the game is on the team’s disappointment without Mitch Marner, who’s gone to the Vegas Golden Knights this summer and left the team with a lack of creativity that they still haven’t filled up.On the 'NHL @TheRink' podcast, NHL.com’s Mike Zeisberger talked about Toronto’s difficulties. He mentioned that the early inconsistency of the Leafs was predictable after losing their main playmaker. Marner’s previous year’s score of 102 points (27 goals, 75 assists) could not be replaced, especially in power play, where Toronto now ranks the lowest (30th, 12.1%).

Zeisberger stated that GM Brad Treliving is on the lookout for a top-six forward, although the market is very limited.

“They are not a better team without Mitch Marner,” Zeisberger remarked, pointing out that the additions of depth like Nicolas Roy, Matias Maccelli, and Dakota Joshua were not able to match Marner’s artistic flair.

Why Mitch Marner’s absence has reshaped the Maple Leafs’ power play and identity

The Maple Leafs are the third-highest scoring team in the league with an average of 3.62 goals per game, but, at the same time, they are near the bottom in goals against (3.62), thus revealing the defensive weaknesses that were previously hidden by Marner’s effective two-way game.

Zeisberger stressed that due to the players having the puck and being in control of the offensive tempo, Toronto’s attack was unpredictable, which is no longer the case with the current lineup.On the other hand, the Utah Mammoth (9-4-0) showed up in excellent condition. Zeisberger commended the speed, structure, and goaltending of Utah, labeling them as “They are one of my favorite ascending teams in the National Hockey League right now.” With Utah’s balance and Toronto’s unpredictability, the clash tonight could show the extent to which the Leafs have progressed in the adjustment post-Marner.The Maple Leafs are still unable to substitute the vital role Marner played in their lineup. Until they rekindle that fire, every match will remind them of their loss rather than their gain.More coverage on NHLWill Roope Hintz play tonight against the Edmonton Oilers? Latest update on the Dallas Stars forwardElias Pettersson’s wife Katelyn Byrd launches SWETE, a Swedish-inspired candy brandWhen will Zach Hyman make his long-awaited return to the Edmonton Oilers?