Articles / With Marner Gone, Who Will Be Toronto’s Next Scapegoat?

With Marner Gone, Who Will Be Toronto’s Next Scapegoat?

T
The Hockey Writers
Aug 30, 2025 4:45 PM

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With Mitch Marner's recent departure, the Toronto Maple Leafs are forced to reevaluate their roster as they search for the next player to potentially bear the brunt of fan frustration. Marner, a player who had garnered a significant amount of attention during his time with the Leafs, served as a scapegoat for many fans, especially during tough playoff exits. Now, as the team looks ahead, the question on everyone's mind is who will step into that controversial role?

Names like Auston Matthews and John Tavares come up frequently in discussions about accountability. As the new season approaches, the pressure mounts on these stars to deliver results on the ice. Fans expect to see immediate impacts, particularly from Matthews, who is seen as the face of the franchise. Yet, it is Tavares who may shoulder more scrutiny, especially if the Leafs experience another playoff disappointment.

The front office's decisions will undoubtedly influence the narrative as well. With the potential of high-profile trades and the impact of free agency looming, each move could reshape public perception of the players. As the team navigates this transitional period, the pressure cooker environment in Toronto could spark a new scapegoat narrative, which is part and parcel of being a Maple Leaf player.

In conclusion, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves at a crossroads. As they navigate the fallout from Marner's exit, the focus on star players like Matthews and Tavares will intensify. The question remains: who will be the next in line for the blame if the team fails to deliver in the playoffs once again?