**Toronto Maple Leafs 2023-24 Report Card: Mitch Marner**
After consecutive seasons exceeding 95 points, Mitch Marner entered the 2023-24 season aiming to surpass the 100-point milestone for the first time in his career. Playing alongside 69-goal scorer Auston Matthews boosted these hopes, but injuries restricted him to 69 games, preventing him from hitting triple digits. Many frustrated Toronto Maple Leafs fans blamed Marner for the playoff series loss to the Bruins, labeling his playoff performance as disappointing and considering him a soft player who underperforms in the postseason.
Despite maintaining strong point production — Marner was on pace for 100 points for the third straight season — his underlying metrics significantly declined compared to previous years. At 5v5, his expected goals share (xGF%) dropped to 52.89%, the lowest since 2018-19, and considerably lower than the 55.22%, 61.84%, and 57.51% of the past three seasons. His high-danger chance share (HDCF%) also decreased to 54.61%, down from the 56.03%, 62.42%, and 60.90% in previous seasons.
Marner’s offensive consistency remained, but his defensive performance suffered. When he was on the ice, the Maple Leafs generated 2.86 expected goals per 60 minutes (xGF/60), slightly lower than last season but consistent with his career numbers. However, defensively, the team allowed 2.55 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60), the second-highest mark of his career. Typically, Marner’s xGA/60 ranged between 2.1-2.3, indicating a clear defensive decline in 2023-24. Individually, Marner still performed well, with 0.95 5v5 goals per 60 minutes, the third-highest of his career, and a career-high 15.68 5v5 shot attempts per 60 minutes. He also maintained discipline with just 18 penalty minutes (PIM).
Overall, Marner delivered an 85-point season in 69 games, continuing his legacy as one of the Maple Leafs’ best forwards in recent history and hoped to carry that success into the playoffs.
**2023-24 regular season grade: B**
**Playoffs**
Marner’s first-round performance against the Bruins, like the Maple Leafs’ overall play, was disappointing, particularly given his past playoff track record. He scored just three points — one goal and two assists — in the seven-game series, far below his near point-per-game pace from his previous 50 playoff games. His xGF% barely exceeded 50%, a stark contrast to his above 60% marks in three of the last four playoff runs. Additionally, his xGA/60 of 2.5 was the worst of his postseason career, and his xGF/60 was the lowest in his last four playoffs. For the first time in his career, he failed to register a power-play point in the playoffs.
Tensions ran high for the Maple Leafs’ top players, culminating in a bench argument between Marner, William Nylander, and Auston Matthews in Game 4. Nylander directed much of his frustration at Marner, who had been upset with Matthews over a previous play. Despite the disappointing first round, Marner wasn’t outplayed at 5v5 in the series; his performance was just poor compared to his usual standards.
**2024 playoffs grade: C-**
**Marner’s Future with the Maple Leafs Uncertain**
Following his subpar playoff showing, rumors have swirled about Marner’s future with the team. One hockey analyst suggested there is only a “5% chance” Marner remains with the Maple Leafs through the off-season. With significant changes coming to the team, including a new coach who historically opposes a finesse-centric system, Marner has likely played his last season in Toronto. However, given his track record as one of the league’s most skilled players, the Maple Leafs should be able to secure a substantial return if they trade him.
