The Detroit Red Wings would be needlessly mortgaging their future by backing up the Brinks truck to pay free-agent winger Mitch Marner.
In an earlier post, I explored the merits of signing the Toronto Maple Leafs free-agent-to-be to a massive contract this summer. While there’s no doubt that Marner could be a solid addition to an already talented Red Wings’ forward group, there are some caveats to bringing in this year’s biggest fish.
So, let’s take a look at the drawbacks of signing Mitch Marner this offseason.
Mitch Marner hasn’t won anything
Let’s start with the obvious. Mitch Marner hasn’t won anything. No Stanley Cups. No major trophies, no unique individual honors.
That’s not the sort of track record the Red Wings would like to get from a player who’s looking to command at least $13 million for the next seven seasons. If anything, the Red Wings are looking for a proven playoff performer who can get the team over the regular-season hump and provide leadership once in the postseason.
Unfortunately for Marner, he’s had a known track record of fizzling out in the postseason. In 2024, the Toronto media pinned the blame for the Leafs’ first-round exit squarely on his shoulders.
This past postseason, the Leafs were bounced by the Florida Panthers, leading to further questions about his overall postseason effectiveness.
Red Wings fans would be right to question what Marner brings to the table insofar as his postseason body of work and lack of meaningful accomplishments.
He won’t have Auston Matthews
Mitch Marner has been joined at the hip with Auston Matthews throughout his tenure in Toronto. The duo’s success has hinged on one another.
Matthews became a prolific goal-scorer due to Marner’s unique playmaking abilities. Meanwhile, Marner has risen through the ranks by playing on the same line with one of the NHL’s best centers.
When Marner and Matthews have been split up, both have noticeably struggled. Marner has lacked Matthews’ presence, while Matthews’ goal-scoring tends to dry up.
Now, this isn’t a discussion on Auston Matthews. But it exemplifies how there could be questions about Mitch Marner succeeding on a team without Matthews. It could be that Marner would feel liberated from the expectations of being Matthews’ wingman.
But then again, Marner could find it hard to adjust to other linemates.
That prospect is something the Detroit Red Wings will need to assess to determine if Marner is a good fit for the team.
Question marks regarding his relationship with Todd McLellan
Mitch Marner tends to have not-so-good relationships with so-called “old-school” coaches. His publicized feud with former Red Wings coach Mike Babcock was a factor that led to Babcock’s dismissal.
His wonderful relationship with Sheldon Keefe was truncated with The Chief, Craig Berube, took over. Berube drilled a new ethos in Toronto, one that didn’t sit too well with Marner.
Perhaps the best example would be Marner’s performance with Team Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. The Canadian squad was led by Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper.
And, Cooper did not balk at dropping Marner in the lineup. After a solid opening game, Marner found himself on the third line for the final. Marner set up Connor McDavid for the tourney winner in overtime, but that was more of a confluence of events instead of Marner’s ability to rise to the occasion.
Based on that argument, my perception would be that Todd McLellan would not take it easy on Marner. McLellan owes Marner zero allegiances, potentially clashing with the star forward if his efforts aren’t up to scratch.
If I was Steve Yzerman, I would politely pass on Marner. I don’t see how Marner could significantly improve the Red Wings, especially at the price point he is reportedly seeking. There are other players out there who could better mesh with the Wings’ current ethos than Marner.
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