BREAKING: Toronto Maple Leafs Make A Massive Shakeup Involving The Core Four

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Dawson Mckenzie
November 27, 2023 (12:32)

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In breaking news, it appears Sheldon Keefe will try Mitch Marner on the second line, separating him from Auston Matthews.

Marner Demoted to Second Line During Practice Today

Mitch Marner has been scrutinized by the media for his performances over the last few games, as he has yet to hit his full stride this season. Despite having 20 points in 19 games this year, Marner has been quiet over the last 5 games, prompting questions about whether he and Auston Matthews should be split up.

Now, it appears Sheldon Keefe will do just that. Today at Leafs practice, Marner was put on a line with John Tavares and Tyler Bertuzzi, while William Nylander was bumped up to play with Matthews and Matthew Knies.

#Leafs have switched up the top two lines.

Matthews with Nylander
Marner now with Tavares

It is hard not to view this as a demotion for Marner, however, something needed to change. Switching things up could give Marner and Matthews the jump they need to get their production back on track.

#Leafs lines during practice Nov. 27/23

Knies-Matthews-Nylander
Bertuzzi-Tavares-Marner
Robertson-Domi-Jarnkrok
Gregor-Kampf-Reaves
McMann

Rielly-Brodie
Giordano-McCabe
Benoit-Timmins
Lagesson

Samsonov, Woll

Marner and Matthews Have Played Very Few Games Apart

Marner and Matthews haven't spent much time apart since they joined the Leafs. While lines have been shuffled over their tenures, they have spent most of their careers playing with each other. Now, with Marner seemingly demoted, it looks like Keefe is holding them accountable for their lack of production, and rewarding William Nylander for his incredible start to the year.

They will need to run these lines for a few games in order to get a true evaluation of how they work, but there is no shame in trying different looks at this point in the season.

Flipping Marner and Nylander is the right call. Hopefully they run this top6 for 5+ games to give it a chance.

D will look better when Lilly is back. Another top 4 addition would really solidify the group.

Reaves in is not ideal but he did score. Hard to take him after that.

The Leafs, though having a solid year despite changes in the offseason, will continue to try to bolster their lineup to find what works best.