Life Without Mitch: What’s Next for Auston Matthews?

What will life look like for Auston Matthews without Mitch Marner? That’s the central question as the Toronto Maple Leafs enter a new era—one where the long-standing partnership between two of the team’s most recognizable stars is finally over. With Marner now in Vegas, the Maple Leafs have new depth, new line combinations, and a very different feel. But what does that mean for the face of the franchise?

Point One: At Even Strength, Matthews Can Live Without Marner

Historically, Matthews has dominated at 5-on-5 no matter who he plays with. While Marner was an effective two-way presence, Matthews’ offensive production didn’t decline without him. In fact, he often drove higher goal-scoring numbers when Marner was on a separate line.

Players like Matthew Knies, Max Domi, and Matias Maccelli will now rotate through Matthews’ wing. The expectation? Matthews keeps producing.

Point Two: The Maple Leafs’ Power Play Is a Bigger Question

Where Matthews did show a drop-off without Marner was on the power play. In limited minutes without his longtime setup man, the Maple Leafs’ man advantage struggled, producing nearly 30% less offense. That small sample may include some noise, but the chemistry between the two was real. Marner’s absence means more weight on Morgan Rielly and a forward group that needs to find a new rhythm quickly.

Point Three: The Maple Leafs’ Supporting Cast Must Step Up

Marner’s exit freed up cap space, and the Maple Leafs used it to bolster depth, adding Maccelli and Nicolas Roy while extending Knies. But until those players prove they can consistently support Matthews—especially in high-leverage moments—expect coach Craig Berube to shuffle lines. There’s still about $3 million in cap room, but restricted free agent Nick Robertson remains unsigned.