Mitch Marner Returns to the Leafs on a Surprising Line Without Auston Matthews
The Toronto Maple Leafs give a challenge to a returning Mitch Marner by putting him in a new role in his first game back.
The Leafs have officially announced that Mitch Marner will return to the team's lineup tonight against the Seattle Kraken after missing Toronto's previous game against the Calgary Flames due to stiffness.
Marner was not expected to be out long-term with his injury not believed to be serious, and now quickly makes a return to the lineup after needing a short rest period to recuperate.
Interestingly, the Toronto Maple Leafs are bringing back Marner into the lineup while giving him a bit of a change as he returns to action, with Leafs head coach Craig Berube using it to try something new with his star forward.
Marner Given Challenge For Return To Leafs Lineup
With Mitch Marner now returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup, Craig Berube is giving an unexpected game plan that involves the returning star winger.
Marner is being put on the Toronto Maple Leafs second line alongside William Nylander & John Tavares, instead of on a line with Auston Matthews.
Jonas Siegel of 'The Athletic' reported Max Domi will stay on the Leafs first line alongside Auston Matthews & Matthew Knies against Seattle.
In his first game back in Toronto's lineup, Marner is put on a different line, giving him a chance to showcase himself away from the first line, and keep the chemistry of the Domi/Matthews/Knies line from last game against Calgary.
Max Pacioretty, who was on the Leafs second line against the Flames, will be on the fourth line against Seattle.
Marner, 27, leads the Leafs this season in Assists with 54 and Points with 70, along with 16 goals.
Regardless of where Mitch Marner is playing in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup, the team has to feel a sense of relief to not be without Marner as the team moves closer to the playoffs without yet another major injury to the team.
