Mitch Marner’s Status Uncertain as Maple Leafs Prepare for Possible Absence Against Flames

CALGARY — As the Toronto Maple Leafs gear up for their matchup against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, a major question mark looms over their lineup: Will Mitch Marner be able to play?

The star forward, who leads the team in scoring this season, was absent from the morning skate for the second straight day. His status remains up in the air, with head coach Craig Berube offering little clarity on what exactly is keeping him off the ice.

“I don’t know. Something happened in the game, I guess,” Berube said when pressed for details on Marner’s ailment. “Just not feeling right in certain areas, so we’re trying to work on it. Trying to get him ready.”

No Clear Signs of Injury

Marner has been an offensive powerhouse for the Leafs, tallying 16 goals and 54 points this season while playing in all 52 games. His most recent performance against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday was a standout moment—his slick triple-deke goal on goaltender Stuart Skinner sealed a much-needed victory for Toronto, snapping a three-game losing streak. There were no visible signs during that game to suggest he was dealing with an injury, leaving fans and teammates alike puzzled by his sudden absence.

“Yeah, I had no clue something was going on,” said teammate William Nylander when asked about Marner’s potential injury. “But we’ll see.”

Veteran center John Tavares also weighed in, expressing hope that Marner would still find a way to play against Calgary.

“To get to this point of the year, 50-plus games, there’s a lot going on obviously, in terms of just the grind and what you go through, and the aches and pains and all that,” Tavares said. “(Marner) played great the other night. Hopefully he’s a go tonight.”

Adjustments Without Marner

With uncertainty surrounding Marner’s availability, the Leafs are making adjustments to their lines. Max Domi, typically a center, has been shifted to the wing alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies.

“We’re pretty familiar with each other,” Domi said of playing with Matthews. “We haven’t played with each other this year, but it’s a great opportunity and I’ve got to be ready to go.”

Domi has experience stepping up in Marner’s absence. When Marner missed a month last season due to an ankle injury, Domi flourished on the top line with Matthews, posting a goal and nine assists over those 12 games. He remained in that role throughout the remainder of the season and into the 2023-24 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

However, Domi’s production has taken a hit this season. In 44 games, he has managed only three goals and 16 assists. Despite the struggles, the Leafs rewarded him with a four-year, $15 million contract extension last summer, hoping he would become a key contributor in the long term.

Waiting for Clarity

For now, the Maple Leafs will have to wait and see whether Marner can suit up. Given his impact on the team’s offense and chemistry with Matthews, his absence would be a significant blow.

The Leafs, sitting in the thick of the playoff race, need every point they can get, and missing their top playmaker is not an ideal scenario. However, injuries and lineup adjustments are part of the game, and players like Domi will have to step up if Marner is sidelined.

Marner’s status remains a game-time decision, and all eyes will be on the Leafs’ warmups to see if their star forward is ready to go. Until then, Toronto is preparing for the possibility of taking the ice without him.

Rielly returns to PP1 if Marner is out

If Marner cannot play, it looks like the Leafs will abandon the five-forward power play and stick defenseman Morgan Rielly back on the point.

“Well, it’s just he’s been there, right? For I don’t know how long here, but he’s played in that situation,” Berube said of the change. “And to me, he’s the guy that goes there. That’s really what it boils down to right now if Mitch’s out.”

Marner has essentially been the defender playing back in the 5-forward formation and it’s hard to replace with any other forward in that spot.