Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews lauds $65,408,000 teammate for nearing 100-point milestone

Mitch Marner is leading the Toronto Maple Leafs' offense with 25 goals and 72 assists for a total of 97 points. He also ranks fifth in the league in total points and is three points behind Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak.

On Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Marner scored a goal and provided two assists as the Maple Leafs won 4-2 to remain atop the Atlantic Division.

After the win in Tampa, captain Auston Matthews spoke about Marner’s performance, praising Marner for staying focused during a long season.

"It's not easy going through all the chaos that can be around him and the season and everything, but I think he's handled everything amazing," Matthews said (7:40).

"His focus is on hockey, it's on the team. He's a guy that goes out there and does a great effort every night. He's a special player, and he's just going to continue to elevate his game here as we go along this final stretch."

Marner is playing in the final year of a six-year, $65,408,000 contract signed in 2019. He has been one of the Maple Leafs’ best players this season and stepped up during Matthews' absence earlier in the season, missing 15 games.

Marner's passing and vision on the ice have helped the Maple Leafs retain the top spot in the Atlantic against fierce opponents like Tampa Bay and Florida. Marner has stayed focused despite the uncertainty surrounding his Toronto future.

When asked about approaching the 100-point milestone, Marner said that it doesn’t matter much to him.

"I don't know. I feel like you guys asked me this last year or something. I really don't care, in a way," Marner said (2:09).

"We just want to win games and try to get the first in our division. If it happens, it happens. That's great. Just trying to go out there and win hockey games and do what we do out there."

As the playoffs get closer, Marner’s play will be crucial for the Maple Leafs.

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Mitch Marner and Mattew Knies combined for four goals as the Maple Leafs beat Tampa Bay

Mitch Marner scored first after Auston Matthews had intercepted a pass and gave him the puck. After the win against Tampa Bay, Marner said (via NHL.com):

"It's two hard back-to-back games, two very top-end teams in this league. I was very happy with our effort tonight. We just stuck with our game plan and had confidence in it."

Matthew Knies scored three goals, including one in overtime, with a pass from Matthews to secure Toronto's win.