After the Toronto Maple Leafs’ home opener loss to the Arizona Coyotes, head coach Sheldon Keefe made some startling remarks about the team’s top line, which included Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews. Marner told reporters on Thursday that he and Keefe had spoken about the remarks, and that Keefe gave an explanation for them and clarified what he was trying to say.
through Jonas Siegel
Keefe was spoken to today, according to Marner. “He clarified what he was saying and how it came across, among other things. That will be the end of it. This place has locked doors for a purpose.
While Marner wouldn’t reveal too much about what transpired behind those closed doors, it appears that he and Keefe have resolved any possible problems. Keefe will undoubtedly wish Matthews shared his perspective.
Following Keefe’s remarks, it wouldn’t be unexpected to see Marner and Matthews enter the game against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night with a fire in their bellies. In contrast to Marner, who has four points with one goal and three assists in his first four games of the season, Matthews, the reigning Hart Trophy winner, has just two points through four games.
Even in a small sample, those figures fall far short of expectations, especially considering that both players averaged well over 1.0 points per game the previous season. After the defeat to Arizona, Keefe expressed his worries about that.
Through Ken Campbell
Keefe claimed, perhaps referring to Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, “Our greatest players have not found their groove.” “The reason we are better than Arizona is because we have exceptional players. Our best players tonight didn’t perform like best players.
Fans of the Leafs were offended by such remarks, but it appears like Keefe and his two superstars have made amends in time for Thursday’s game against the Stars.
Mitch Marner of the Maple Leafs responds to Sheldon Keefe’s contentious remarks about Auston Matthews, which initially surfaced on ClutchPoints.
