Team building is an important part of making a franchise successful and if the Toronto Maple Leafs eventually win a Stanley Cup, it could be because they brought in veterans like Patrick Marleau and Matt Martin to have a positive influence on their young players.
Marleau is in the second year of a three-year, $18.75 Million contract, scored 27 goals for Toronto and was one of their best performers in the playoffs, but just as important as his production on the ice was his taking youngsters Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner under his wing.
Martin, who was signed by the Leafs to a four-year, $10 Million contract in 2016 served as an energy forward and protector for most of his two seasons on the ice, but also was a leader in the locker room and helped rookies Marner and Zach Hyman to acclimate to life in the NHL.
“I was literally (like) their son,” Marner said to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox of Martin and fiancée Sydney Esiason. “(Sydney)with my girlfriend, she’s been amazing. Coming in as first-year people, you don’t know anyone, and Syd made her feel at home right away. Same with (Matt). I wish him the very best. I’m sure I’ll see him lots in the summer regardless where he plays.”
The 29-year-old saw his role diminish in the second half of last season and with the signing of former Isles teammate John Tavares and chock full of young forward prospects, Martin could see the writing on the wall.
“I had a pretty good idea that something would happen this summer, we heard some rumors at the deadline.” Martin said on the Isle Seat Podcast. “I don’t want to say I had one foot out the door in Toronto, (because) I love the city and I obviously made some great friends there as well, but for my career I was looking for a fresh start.”
Former Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello brought Martin back to Long Island in exchange for minor league goalie Eamon McAdam earlier this month and he will likely be reunited with former linemates Cal Clutterbuck and Casey Cizikas, but his impact will not be forgotten by some of his former teammates.
“Lou’s a pretty loyal guy and we have a good relationship. Obviously, things didn’t work out the way I wanted here in Toronto, but he still has a lot of faith in me as a player and a person, and I’m looking forward to proving him right on the Island and getting back on track.”
— Paula- CALDER CUP CHAMPS!🏆🏒🥅 (@PaulaJR34) July 29, 2018
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