It’s not so much sheltered as it is opportunistic. You have one of the best 5v5 goal scorers in the league on your bench.... who are you tossing over the boards for an Ozone face off?

Matthews has done quite well defensively and I don’t think he needs to be sheltered that way.

no way why do you think boston beats you in the first round because the highest contract on that team is 7,5 so they can build a team around good players

Hey chum whens the last time toronto made it past the second round 1993 i think

"Matthews is much better than marner" ... he really isnt. I'd say Mtthews plays a more important position but they both are pretty similar in talent/skill. Matthews actually starts 68% of his shifts in the offensive zone. last year 113 d zone and 765 o zone starts. i would consider that pretty sheltered minutes imo. Marner is able to play 4v5 5v5 and 5v4. I would take a Marner over a Matthews. i understand why leaf fans love him but its like saying a meter is a lot bigger than a yard

Op: Marner is not good.

Also Op:Proceeds to trade Marner for a really good return.

What is the logic in that?

What are you talking about bud. Since 93, they made it past round 2 4 times I believe. Also, just an fyi, the leafs are just as good as the oilers, if not better.

clearly you dont know about your own team last time they made the second round was in 04