Leafs' Thrilling Trade Ups And Downs: Marner Contract And Denver Debacle

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been one of the most exciting and unpredictable teams in the NHL over the past few years. With a rich history of talented players and a dedicated fan base, the team has always been a force to be reckoned with. However, their recent trades and contract decisions have left many fans scratching their heads. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Leafs' thrilling trade ups and downs, focusing on the contract extension of Mitch Marner and the debacle surrounding their stint in Denver.

The Rise of Mitch Marner

Mitch Marner has been one of the brightest stars in the Leafs' organization since his draft in 2015. With his impressive skating ability, vision, and passing skills, Marner has quickly established himself as one of the top young players in the league. In 2018, Marner signed a seven-year contract extension worth $64 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NHL.

Marner's Impact on the Leafs

Marner's contract extension was a huge coup for the Leafs, who had been searching for a way to keep their young star in the blue and white. The deal not only secured Marner's future with the team but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league: the Leafs are committed to building a winner around their talented young players.

Marner's impact on the Leafs has been immense. He has consistently been one of the top scorers on the team, with over 100 points in each of the last two seasons. His speed, agility, and vision on the ice have made him a nightmare for opposing defensemen, and his ability to create scoring chances for his teammates has been invaluable.

Criticisms of Marner's Contract

While Marner's contract extension was a huge success for the Leafs, some fans and pundits have criticized the deal as being too rich for the team's blood. With Marner's contract eclipsing $9 million per year, some have argued that the team could have done better in negotiations.

Despite these criticisms, Marner's performance on the ice has been nothing short of spectacular. He has continued to excel despite the increased scrutiny and attention, and his contract extension has been seen as a wise move by the team.

The Denver Debacle

The Leafs' stint in Denver was a disaster from the start. The team's decision to play their preseason games in the Mile High City was met with widespread criticism, with many fans and pundits questioning the team's judgment.

The Reason Behind the Decision

So why did the Leafs decide to play their preseason games in Denver? According to the team, the decision was made to "explore new market opportunities" and to "grow the game of hockey" in the western United States.

However, many fans and observers believe that the team was simply trying to generate buzz and attention before the start of the season. With a team like the Leafs, which is known for its media attention and charismatic players, it's hard to blame fans for doubting the team's decision.

The Impact on the Team

The preseason games in Denver were a disaster for the Leafs. The team struggled on the ice, losing two of their three games and failing to score more than two goals in any of their contests.

Despite the disappointing showing, the Leafs were still able to make a strong push for the playoffs, ultimately finishing fifth in the Atlantic Division. However, the team's performance in Denver was seen as a major setback, and many fans and pundits believe that the team's decision to play preseason games in the Mile High City was a mistake.

The Fallout

The Leafs' stint in Denver was not without its consequences. The team's decision to play preseason games in the Mile High City led to widespread criticism and outrage, with many fans feeling that the team had abandoned its core values and priorities.

The Repercussions

The fallout from the Denver debacle has been significant. The team's decision to play preseason games in Denver has led to a re-evaluation of the team's priorities and strategy, with many fans and pundits calling for a return to traditional marketing and promotional efforts.

The team's decision to abandon its core values and priorities has also led to a decline in fan engagement and loyalty, with many fans feeling that the team has lost its way.

A New Direction

In response to the criticism and backlash, the Leafs have announced a new direction for the team. The team has committed to a more traditional marketing and promotional strategy, focusing on building a stronger connection with its fans and core supporters.

While time will tell if this new direction will be successful, one thing is clear: the Leafs must learn from their mistakes and find a way to balance their desire for success and growth with their core values and priorities.

The Future of the Leafs

The future of the Leafs is bright, but it's also uncertain. With a talented young core and a commitment to building a winner, the team is poised for greatness. However, the team must also learn from its mistakes and find a way to balance its desire for success and growth with its core values and priorities.

The Road Ahead

The road ahead for the Leafs will be challenging, but also exciting. With a new direction and a renewed focus on building a winner, the team is poised to make a deep playoff run and bring a championship to the city of Toronto.

However, it's also clear that the team's success will depend on its ability to adapt and evolve, to find a way to balance its desire for success and growth with its core values and priorities.

Only time will tell if the Leafs will be able to achieve greatness, but one thing is certain: the team's thrilling trade ups and downs, including Marner's contract extension and the Denver debacle, have left fans and pundits eagerly anticipating what's next for the team.