Articles / Toronto Maple Leafs team preview: What will life without Marner look like?

Toronto Maple Leafs team preview: What will life without Marner look like?

S
Sportsnet
Sep 28, 2025 8:53 AM

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a significant challenge as they prepare for the upcoming season without their star winger, Mitch Marner, who is recovering from an injury. Marner’s absence raises questions about how the Leafs will adjust their strategies and lineup to maintain their competitive edge in the tough NHL landscape. With key players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander stepping up, the team is counting on its offensive depth to compensate for Marner’s playmaking ability.

Fans are eager to see how coach Sheldon Keefe will shuffle the line combinations to maximize scoring opportunities. The trio of Matthews, Nylander, and John Tavares is expected to shoulder more responsibility as they aim to keep the momentum going. The Leafs will also rely on their solid defensive core, including Morgan Rielly and T.J. Brodie, to ensure that they remain resilient in matches where offense may be harder to come by.

As the season progresses, the Maple Leafs' success will depend on their ability to adapt and find consistency while navigating through the challenges posed by their campaign without Marner. The team’s depth will truly be tested, and fans are hopeful that with strong performances and teamwork, they can still make a formidable push towards the playoffs. Overall, the focus will be on cohesion and teamwork as they strategize around their missing star player.