"Could definitely make a case for him": Ex-NHLer weighs in on Maple Leafs MVP debate featuring Mitch Marner and $5M star

Despite injuries and an overall middling offense, the Toronto Maple Leafs, thanks in no small part to Mitch Marner, are 17-9-2, barely out of first place in their division. Former Leafs star Carlo Colaiacovo believes Marner deserves the bulk of the credit for keeping them rolling.

Aaron Korolnek believes Anthony Stolarz, who is signed to a two-year, $5 million contract, should be the team MVP, to which Colaiacovo responded:

"I'd still go with Mitch Marner. Yeah. I mean, again, they're not scoring. I think they're 18th in the NHL and scoring like without Marner, and again, the absences of Matthews."

He said that Stolarz doesn't play every night and Marner does, which should give him the edge.

Meanwhile, Korolnek said the offense is struggling overall (23rd in scoring), citing that goalkeeping has kept them afloat.

"They won hockey games because of their goaltending, and they're still winning hockey games because of their goaltending," Korolnek said. "So yes, absolutely. I think if you had to give out an MVP trophy today, it goes to Anthony Stolarz, because when you're scoring that many goals ... And you think about the saves Stolarz has to make."

Colaiacovo eventually conceded that though he'd still give the edge to Marner, he believes Stolarz does have a case for the team MVP.

---

Mitch Marner gets high praise from rival coach

Mitch Marner, even while Auston Matthews was out, has kept the Toronto Maple Leafs offense going. He's been brilliant this year, and his teammates have seen it. Others have, too, and that includes Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper.

Marner got a lot of praise (Imagn)

Cooper said via NHL:

“Probably confidence and swag. He’s always had it, but you see it how he plays. You know I’m a massive Mitch Marner fan, being able to coach him in 2017. And he’s always had it in him, but I think he’s let it out a little bit more -- and in a good way."

Cooper praised the player's mind, calling it one of the elite minds in the sport. So far, it's helped the Leafs get off to a red-hot start.