Friedman says the Leafs' core 4 is done if they don't make a comeback
The insider Elliotte Friedman made a big declaration by saying the Toronto Maple Leafs' core 4 is done if they don't make a big comeback against the Boston Bruins.
The Leafs are curently trailing behind 3-1 in the round one and it's safe to say that the core 4's impact since the playoffs started has been quite underwhelming.
William Nylander took part in only one game, Auston Matthews played with an illness, John Tavares, the captain, hasn't been able to rally his troops, and Mitch Marner, who's been the Leafs' scapegoat since game one, hasn't shown many great things on the ice.
According to Friedman, the core four will be dismantled by general manager Brad Treliving, unless they can make a big comeback and win the next three games of the series against Boston.
He stated:
"This is the end for this group (core 4) if they don't pull off a big comeback"
Many signs of wear and tear have been seen in recent games, but it boiled over in the fourth game of the series, on Saturday, when Marner, Nylander and Matthews went into it at the bench.
With both Nylander and Matthews signed long-term, and John Tavares nearing free agency, all fingers are pointed towards Marner as a possible trade target for the next off-season.
Marner has one year left on his $10,903,000 AAV contract, and despite his no-trade clause, could be shipped to another team as soon as this summer.
With the way he's been acting in recent games, the Leafs are starting to realize that Marner isn't made for a market as big as Toronto.
Do you think Mitch Marner will be traded this summer?
| POLL | ||
29 AVRIL | 428 ANSWERS Friedman says the Leafs' core 4 is done if they don't make a comeback Do you think Mitch Marner will be traded this summer? | ||
| Yes | 347 | 81.1 % |
| No | 81 | 18.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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