The Toronto Maple Leafs weren’t capable of get previous the second spherical this season, being eradicated in seven video games by the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. That they had a stable sequence and will come again subsequent season even stronger, however they might be compelled to seek out replacements for Mitchell Marner and John Tavares, who would possibly each be heading to the open market this summer time. In keeping with a latest article from Sportsnet, Nikolaj Ehlers could possibly be a possible Marner substitute if he doesn’t return to the Winnipeg Jets.
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Ehlers, who’s 29 years outdated, scored 24 targets and added 39 assists for 63 factors via 69 video games this season. All through his profession, he has scored 225 targets and added 295 assists for 520 factors via 674 video games which comes out to a 0.77 points-per-game common. He has established himself as a robust offensive contributor who has the power to single-handedly elevate a staff’s manufacturing, and will command an enormous price ticket on his subsequent contract.
Marner, who’s 28 years outdated, scored 27 targets and added 75 assists for 102 factors via 81 video games this season. Whereas his manufacturing is a bit higher than what Ehlers supplied this season, they’ve related types that would make the Maple Leafs think about spending huge to verify they don’t lose out on that sort of scoring. All through Marner’s profession, he has scored 221 targets and added 520 assists for 741 factors via 657 video games which comes out to a 1.13 points-per-game common.
Realistically, loads of contending groups could have curiosity in signing Ehlers if he hits the open market this summer time. He’ll possible search for a seven-year deal price round $9 million yearly, which is a bit steep, nevertheless it’s lower than what the Maple Leafs would have paid Marner, who’s rumoured to be in search of round $14 million yearly on his subsequent contract.
The place Would Ehlers Match With the Maple Leafs?
If Ehlers is the Marner substitute, he steps proper onto the primary line. Perhaps the staff performs Ehlers on his off-wing to maintain Matthew Knies on the primary line with him and Auston Matthews, or possibly they transfer Knies all the way down to the second line and have a primary line of Knies, Matthews, and William Nylander. Both means, Ehlers steps in as a top-six ahead and sure goes proper on their first energy play unit. He has an unbelievable shot, can arrange performs for his teammates together with his offensive IQ, and regardless of some minor damage points, could be very constant.
The Maple Leafs shedding each Marner and Tavares could possibly be seen as catastrophic in the event that they’re unable to herald stable replacements who’re simply as useful as these two. Signing Ehlers solves one problem and nonetheless leaves them with sufficient cap house to proceed attempting to spend huge and fill out their roster much more. There are some issues about Ehlers’ defensive consistency, however his offensive manufacturing outweighs no matter defensive blunders he makes.
Check out his wins above substitute (WAR) participant card from 2021-2024 right here:
Every little thing seems good, aside from his defensive play at even power, and he doesn’t play on the penalty kill. Nonetheless, as talked about, his offensive recreation makes up for what is perhaps a legal responsibility in his personal finish. On the finish of the day, Ehlers could not fairly be the participant that Marner is at each ends of the ice, however he’s a extra inexpensive choice and will make up for among the misplaced scoring if he chooses to affix an enormous market in Toronto.
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