With Mitch Marner now playing in Vegas, the Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a familiar question: who will become the team's next scapegoat? Marner, for years, bore the brunt of fan frustration following playoff disappointments. His departure leaves a void, and inevitably, someone else will be targeted when the team falls short of expectations.
Several players could potentially step into the role of public enemy number one. Auston Matthews, despite his status as a top center and the team's highest-paid player and captain, could face increased scrutiny. While Marner was in Toronto, Matthews managed to avoid some of the harshest criticism, but that may change. Like Marner, Matthews has been criticized for a lack of scoring in big games, a factor in the Leafs' inability to advance in the playoffs. If Matthews doesn't have a strong season, stays healthy, and scores crucial goals, he might be labeled a poor leader.
William Nylander is another candidate. As the second-highest-paid player, Nylander will be expected to fill the offensive void left by Marner. He has generally been well-received by fans, but increased expectations could make him a target if the team struggles.
Beyond the core stars, other players could also find themselves in the crosshairs. Morgan Rielly, the longest-tenured Leaf, struggled in the 2024-25 season. If his performance doesn't improve, especially with a $7.5 million cap hit, he could face criticism. Scott Laughton, acquired at a significant cost, will need to deliver a more consistent performance to justify his acquisition. Nick Robertson, despite his potential, has struggled to secure a prominent role. If he fails to break out, he could become a target for fan frustration.
The reasons for the scapegoating culture in Toronto are complex. The Maple Leafs haven't reached the Stanley Cup Final since 1967, and the pressure to win is immense. This pressure, combined with a passionate and demanding fanbase, creates a volatile environment where individual players can easily become targets. The team's lack of playoff success has only intensified this phenomenon.
The departure of Marner might also reflect a broader issue: the difficulty of attracting free agents to Toronto. The intense scrutiny and pressure from fans and media can be a deterrent. Recent free-agent signings suggest a shift towards role players rather than high-profile stars, possibly indicating a change in team strategy or a recognition of the challenges of playing in Toronto.
Ultimately, the next Maple Leafs scapegoat will likely be the player who fails to meet expectations or is perceived as underperforming when the team struggles. The hope is that the team can find collective success, thereby reducing the need for individual blame and fostering a more positive environment.
