With Marner gone, who will be the next scapegoat in Toronto? – Hockey Writer – Toronto Maple Leaf

Whether you’re on the side of Mitch Marner or on the side of Maple Leafs, who think his “crying story” about player safety and unruly Leafs is Hogwash, and Marner officially stands out, Maple Leafs faces the inevitable and familiar dilemma: Who will take over the role of scapegoat?

After every playoff disappointment for years, Manner has been the target of frustration, ultimately leading to him saying goodbye in a very public outlet and painful division.

It’s only a matter of time before he’s no longer the number one enemy in Toronto. He continued to move forward and said the last words, and the fans reacted. Soon, when the season is not perfect, they will look for others to blame. Now the question: Who is the next one?

Auston Matthews – Probably the next lightning rod

If it weren’t for Marner, Auston Matthews would have been the first to bear the brunt of the rebound repeatedly during the playoffs. The focus of Toronto sulfuric acid is on the lasers of Marner, so that fans seem to ignore how much Matthews has also struggled in the playoffs. Like Marner, Matthews’ lack of scoring in big games (four goals in his last 18 playoff games and nine in his last 29 games) has a lot to do with why Leaves didn’t improve.

Matthews discussed this summer because his status as one of the highest centers in the NHL has declined. He is no longer the second place for Connor McDavid. For many, Matthews didn’t even make the top five. The review of Matthews’ big contract and his belief that he cannot lead the deep run will make him a consistent goal when the South.

If he doesn’t rebound the season, stay healthy, score goals on counting, and bring this team to the horn, he will be labeled as a bad leader and rely too much on Mana.

William Nylander – The People’s Star

As one fan wrote on social media after an interview with the infamous Marner: “Love William Nylander. Others have posted photos of Nylander riding on the subway among fans, essentially trying to discount Marner’s narrative (as if these two things were even out of reach).

It’s great that Nylander doesn’t feel worried, but how long will it last? Now, he is regarded as a man of the people. Will fans see him in a few months?

Yes, Nylander is unique because he doesn’t seem to be staged by anyone or anything. To be honest, he doesn’t care whether you like him or not. Whether you think he does his best or frustrates you with his inconsistency – he can be the most dynamic player in the game and then the seemingly lazy player – he will do it because he knows his situation.

This has consequences and stress. As Marner disappeared, how many fans began to get tired of his ups and downs?

Morgan Rielly – No waiver of no trade terms

Marner has been publicly criticized to some extent for refusing to give up his no-trade clause in the 2024-25 season and accepting a deal with Carolina. Morgan Rielly has a lot of chatting this summer, whether he is Toronto’s top defender needs to take them to the next level. There is a whisper of trade opportunities, but Rielly has an unmoved clause and has no desire to give up on it.

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Rielly made a penny and fans would soon open him if he wasn’t a top guy. Many will focus on the fact that Toronto may be moving in another direction, but he hinders the way he invokes a clause in the deal that he has the right to invoke all his rights.

New and depth forward

Toronto Maple Leaf fans shouldn’t blame newcomers, but some do. If Nicolas Roy’s fault isn’t Matias Maccelli’s fault, if they can’t produce at any level near Mitch Marner. Dakota Joshua’s game is completely different, he is not a front-line striker. Yet, the Leaf brings everyone in hopes they can pick up a 100-point player to head to Las Vegas for slack.

Then there are six bottom forwards from Leafs, such as Scott Laughton, Nick Robertson, Max Domi, David Kampf, Bobby McMann and Calle Jarnkrok. Even if no one expects them to score a lot of points or become Matthews’ organizers, they bring some calories. With limited offensive impact, how long does fans start to drive these guys out of town, or suggesting that the money they make is the reason Toronto can’t get a better replacement star?

The only safety player on the roster

Perhaps the only two players this season are John Tavares and Matthew Knies. Tavares made a team-friendly deal on a new, new expansion side, with millions left this summer. This means he will get a grace period and fans will be lenient with him if his work drops. How much he loves Toronto. Fans have been persevering when they personally accepted Mana’s perception of the fan base.

The Cavaliers also reached a deal, but he worked on Leaf for several years as RFA. He could have done what other RFAs are doing and it comes in short order, ready to cash out as the salary cap rises sharply. Instead, he locked in Marner to abandon. Even if he took some time to get his game up to the level he obviously needs now, that will give him all the support he needs this season.