It’s that time of year again — the Toronto Maple Leafs are on the verge of clinching the Atlantic Division, the milestones are piling up, and we’re staring down one of the most familiar (and frustrating) debates the Maple Leafs could consider: Should Mitch Marner suit up in Game 82 to chase 100 points?
Marner Is Now Sitting on 99 Points
As of Sunday night, after the Maple Leafs’ workmanlike 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, Marner sits at 99 points. He’s one shy of hitting the century mark for the second time in his career. He’s got two games left to do it — Tuesday in Buffalo and, if needed, Thursday at home against Detroit.
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On paper, it’s a no-brainer. Marner is on the verge of a major individual accomplishment. He’s been arguably the Maple Leafs’ most complete player all season. He’s matured, rounded out his game, and now plays playoff-style hockey. He deserves the milestone.
But here’s the problem: If the Maple Leafs clinch the Atlantic before Thursday—which is likely—Game 82 will become a glorified exhibition game. And given Toronto’s recent history with last-minute injuries to core players heading into the playoffs, is it worth the risk?
Marner’s Evolution Is the Real Maple Leafs Story
What makes this situation even more interesting is how Marner’s season has gone. He’s one point away from 100 and continues producing at an elite clip. However, how he’s doing it stands out.
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This isn’t the same Marner we’ve seen in the past. Under new head coach Craig Berube, he’s adjusted his style. He relies less on rush plays and engages in more forechecking, puck hunting, physicality, and responsibility in cycle situations. He’s become one of the Maple Leafs’ most effective forecheckers, creating space and chances for linemates. Youngster Matthew Knies has been a primary beneficiary. He’s only one goal shy of his own milestone – the 30-goal mark.
The proof is in the numbers. Marner’s second in forecheck-created chances on the team. He’s embracing the grind. And, by doing so, he is setting himself up for a more playoff-ready brand of hockey. That’s the story — not the 100 (well, almost) points.
So, it would be nice for him to hit 100. However, this is already Marner’s best season as a professional hockey player. Regardless of whether he hits the century mark, he’s grown in his skill and on-ice hockey ability. The numbers don’t lie, but neither does what Maple Leafs fans are watching game in and game out this season.
The Risk vs. the Reward for the Maple Leafs
Whether Marner should play in Game 82 if he’s still sitting at 99 points comes down to a classic risk vs. reward scenario. Yes, reaching 100 points would be a milestone moment for him. It’s something he’s never done in his career, and it’s special. It would become a nice capstone to what’s already been a stellar season. But the cost of chasing it might be far too steep.
How can Maple Leafs’ fans not forget what’s happened before? Just last season, Auston Matthews wasn’t completely healthy going into the playoffs after pushing for the 70-goal mark late into the season. John Tavares and William Nylander both missed games down the stretch. Nylander missed three games of the last postseason’s loss to the Boston Bruins with migraine issues. Even Marner himself has dealt with nagging late-season injuries in previous years. The Maple Leafs have been burned before by letting key players stay in meaningless regular-season games too long.
So if Toronto clinches the Atlantic Division on Tuesday, and Marner doesn’t hit the 100-point mark that night, the right move is simple. He needs to sit out Game 82. Take the loss of the milestone and even the game. Protecting the bigger picture is the correct answer. Two things matter more when heading into the playoffs – grabbing the best position and being healthy. It certainly isn’t Marner’s 100 points or “only” 99.
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The worst-case scenario? Marner plays in a game that doesn’t matter, breaks his thumb on a shot block, or tweaks his groin and misses the playoffs. At that point, what’s the value of the milestone? It’s instantly forgotten (or remembered for the wrong reasons) if he can’t play when a series loss sends you home.
The Bottom Line: Marner Gets 100 Points in Buffalo or He Sits Game 82
Marner has one more meaningful game to put 100 in the books. Buffalo’s not a playoff team, and they play high-scoring hockey games. The crowd in Buffalo will include lots of blue and white. It’s a winnable game for the Maple Leafs. If he grabs a point Tuesday, celebrate, move on, and sit him for Game 82.
But if he doesn’t? The milestone isn’t worth the risk. The Maple Leafs have been here before and should have learned that this is not the time to risk eroding a healthy playoff roster. Marner should sit out against the Detroit Red Wings.
