herman
Well-known member
Performance is a function of skills, opportunity, chemistry, and confidence. There have been written and podcasted stories about how Marner's camp would throw 'conniptions' if he didn't get top line minutes and roles. The Lou/Babcock* front office told them to stuff it. The Dubas/Keefe front office capitulated to them on every possible front because they believed a happy Mitch was an effective Mitch and banked on that leading to championships. The Treliving/Berube group rode it out for one year (can't put toothpaste back in the tube**, and it wasn't worth the fight) to see if they could make it work one last time if the rest of the structure could help push it over the top.
* Game recognizes game. Toxic narcissist clocked his competition immediately and worked extra hard to display dominance.
** Marner indicated that things took a turn for the sour 2 years ago
I'm optimistic about this iteration of the Leafs being able to get more out of its depth players. The Berube game rewards consistent effort and doesn't put a huge burden of requirement on fancy skill, while still giving room for said fancy skill to make hay. There are chances for forwards to vie for top roles in all three phases of the game (other than 1C), to reward strong stretches of performance, to give reps to multiple looks so the team has options when the situation calls for them, and for the group to really support each other as a team regardless of role.
Last edited:
