In the entire National Hockey League I would still have to say Patrick Marleau leaving the San Jose Sharks to join the Toronto Maple Leafs was the biggest mind blower of them all.

Nineteen seasons straight in San Jose and Marleau joins the Leafs at 37 years of age and feels he has a lot left in the tank to give. He’s not the only one who thinks that either (both former teammates Joel Ward and Jason Demers) praised Marleau and his undying speed and energy to go along with his leadership.

Demers who was Marleau’s teammate from 2009-2014 said he was speechless when he heard the news that Patrick was leaving San Jose to join the Maple Leafs. “I know him well personally and I know that was probably the biggest decision of his career.” I’d like to add (completely biased opinion) that it will be his best too!

As excited as Demers is for Marleau, he’s certainly not excited to have to play against him more than twice a year like he did when they were in different conferences. Marleau’s speed will fit in well with the young blood Leafs who can soar like the wind through the big city of Toronto. Joel Ward chimed in with a comment on Marleau’s speed saying that “he has yet to see Marleau lose a step, despite having played 1493 games in the NHL.

“Yeah, he is (that fast)” – Joel Ward

“He’s a great teammate. He’s always happy when he comes into the room and a really great mentor to young guys. He took me under his wing; they’re going to be happy with him.” – Jason Demers

Us Leafs fans havn’t seen a ton of Marleau each season unless you are watching some late west coast games and or playoff runs. I think a number of Leafs fans will be pleasantly surprised how fast the 37 year old future hall of famer can skate.

Ward gives full props to Patrick’s attitude and that he’s not only a leader on the ice but an even better guy off the ice who has tremendous work ethic and enjoys working out and leading drills at practice. He’s a very involved player and the Leafs will benefit in many ways with the addition.

With so many young quality players trending up in Toronto they will be blessed to have a stallion like Patrick Marleau help guide them along. I’m hoping he can really help Matthews, Nylander and Marner mature into not only better players but improve their outlook of the game so they continue to excel to be the best player they can be for the Buds.

Marleau is obviously the big dog addition for the Leafs this summer, but don’t think the addition of Ron Hainsey and Dominic Moore won’t help the team mature and be more stabilized when the going gets tough.

Lou Lamoriello has been around forever and he knows as much as any brilliant hockey mind that the locker room is an important place for a hockey team. Having veteran presences in the locker room who have had success and who have experience in both the up’s and down’s is all part of the intangibles that go into garnishing success.

After such a big leap last season (30th into a playoff spot) the Leafs will have big expectations set by not only the fans, but the management team and themselves. They may be in need of some leadership along the way to help ease the tension. Look for the veteran presence of Marleau, Hainsey and even Moore to step up and calm the storm. It goes both ways too, when the Leafs are rolling and its nothing but blue skies and sunshine, it will be good to have the vet’s chime in with their two cents to keep everyone’s heads from blowing up full of confidence.

I feel these three additions alone will help keep the team focused. Each player and scenario is different and sometimes a coach or assistant coach telling you to do something is one thing, and when a future hall of famer like Marleau gives you “friendly” advice perhaps it sinks in differently. That goes for the defenseman too who will be able to take some advice from Hainsey who has won a Stanley Cup.

With so many young players it was a very wise decision by Lamoriello to bring in some veteran players.

Thanks for reading, enjoy the rest of your week.

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