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Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Marner, Pacioretty & Steeves

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated Feb 22, 2025 3:21 PM ET

In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, the team returns to action tonight when they play the Carolina Hurricanes at Scotiabank Arena. Oddly, this game is Toronto’s only home game in February. After tonight, they head off on another four-game road trip.

As fans know, two Maple Leafs players were part of the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game. Mitch Marner played a climactic role for Canada, setting up Connor McDavid’s game-winner with his second assist of the game. Auston Matthews, representing the United States, had several chances to clinch the win during overtime. Over the game, he registered assists on both Team USA goals. Both players are expected to play tonight. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said it simply: “As of right now, they’re playing (Saturday). These are big games.”

In today’s News & Rumors, we’ll look at something odd that we heard Marner say in a post-game interview after the 4 Nations Face-Off. Second, we’ll look at Max Pacioretty’s situation. After a rough season and an injury setback, Pacioretty is back on the ice—will he be able to return to full health in time for upcoming games?

Finally, we’ll look closer at Alex Steeves, who’s been tearing it up in the American Hockey League (AHL) and leading the league in goal-scoring by a notable margin. Steeves has now been called up to the Maple Leafs—could this be his last shot to prove himself before the trade deadline?

Item One: Is Mitch Marner Happy in Toronto?

Mitch Marner’s recent post-game comments following Team Canada’s victory at the 4 Nations tournament make us speculate about his future with the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Obviously, he was celebrating the win, but a few remarks from Marner make us wonder if he’s truly content in Toronto.

When asked if he planned to bring his gold medal into the Maple Leafs’ dressing room, Marner said “Probably not,” but he would enjoy it with his family “With the ups and downs we have been through.” While this might seem simple, some fans wondered if Marner’s mention of “ups and downs” hinted at something more personal than just the usual team dynamics.

In the same interview, things took a further turn when Marner was asked where the medal would go. The exchange was a bit unclear and was said with laughter (oddly, who knows why?), but Marner’s response stood out. “There is some dangerous stuff kind of going on in Toronto,” he said, before adding that he’d reveal the full details off-camera.

While the specifics were left unsaid, this comment could raise questions, especially given Marner’s previous experiences in the city, including the traumatic car-jacking incident and the reported altercation involving reporters around his family. Adding fuel to the fire, it’s been reported that Marner has hired private security to protect his loved ones from unwanted attention.

All these factors lead to one big question: Is Mitch Marner happy playing in Toronto, or are these “ups and downs” wearing on him more than fans realize? Is there more to this story than meets the eye?

Item Two: Max Pacioretty Skated Today, but His Status Remains Uncertain

Max Pacioretty missed practice this week after tweaking something, and Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said Pacioretty didn’t respond well after skating. But Berube also said it doesn’t seem like a serious injury; it’s a day-to-day situation. With the game against Carolina on Saturday, it’s doubtful he’ll be in the lineup.

Pacioretty’s season has been a letdown offensively, with only five goals and eight assists in 37 games. We might see Ryan Reaves back in the lineup if he can’t go. Either way, Pacioretty’s absence (if it happens) could leave a gap in the Maple Leafs’ forward depth, so let’s see how this one plays out.

Item Three: Is This Alex Steeves’ Last Shot Before the Trade Deadline?

Alex Steeves has been on fire in the AHL lately. He scored his 29th goal of the season on Feb. 17, leading the league by four despite playing five fewer games than the second-place player (Isak Rosen of the Rochester Americans). He added two assists, bringing his total to five points in his last two games. Those performances earned him a call-up to the Maple Leafs earlier this week.

Alex Steeves, Toronto Maple Leafs (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

While Steeves has done well in the AHL, is there a place for him in the big club’s lineup? He hasn’t produced much in his previous call-ups, but he obviously can score, which is a crucial attribute for the team. Could he be another Bobby McMann, who made the lineup to cover for an injury and hasn’t looked back?

So, the big question is: Could this be Steeves’ last shot with the Maple Leafs before they decide to move him? With his value rising, in one way or another, he might play a role in whatever the Maple Leafs do as the deadline approaches—bolstering the playoff push or bringing in a key piece for the future.

What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?

Tonight’s game will be crucial for the Maple Leafs as they continue their push for a top spot in the Atlantic Division. As it currently stands, the Maple Leafs are three points behind the Florida Panthers with two games in hand. If the Maple Leafs win both these games, they’ll be in first place—it’s as simple as that.

Welcome back to the NHL’s regular season.

[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]