NHL analyst speculates 'shake-up' in Maple Leafs roster, reunion with Mitch Marner after Auston Matthews comeback

NHL analyst Carlo Colaiacovo has suggested that struggles in form could prompt Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube to reunite Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews. On the "First Up with Korolnek and Colaiacovo" podcast, Colaiacovo said the Leafs may see changes in their lineup in December as they navigate a packed schedule of 15 games.

After his return from an upper-body injury, captain Auston Matthews was placed on the Maple Leafs top line with Matthew Knies and William Nylander. Mitch Marner is playing as a right wing on the second line with Pontus Holmberg as the left wing and John Tavares with the center duties.

"You look at the month of December—they play 15 games starting tonight. And there's gonna be stretches through this next 15 games where things are gonna—you know, players are gonna struggle," Colaiacovo said [17:00]. "The team's gonna struggle. There's gonna be some sort of a shake-up that the coach is gonna have to bring to this group."

Colaiacovo believes that Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner could be playing on the same line as the Leafs' busy schedule results in bad performances.

"And at some point, you're gonna see those two guys (Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner) reunited, whether it's something that sticks or doesn't. But this is the shuffle you go through in the season when things start to slow down when it comes to the production with your team." Colaiacovo added.

Colaiacovo noted that these adjustments often happen when production slows, and the team seeks a spark.

Matthews returned after a nine-game absence on Saturday. This was following the Leaf's loss to Florida Panthers 5-1, making it a 7-2 record in those nine games.

He contributed two assists in Saturday’s 5-3 victory over the Lightning. He played 20:23, took two shots, and won 16 of 24 faceoffs. He has recorded five goals and 13 points in 14 games this season.

Mitch Marner's performance this season for Maple Leafs

Mitch Marner, who leads the Leafs with 31 points in 23 games has proved to be a critical player, especially during Matthews' recent absence. He is leading the team in assists with 22.

Despite his regular-season success, Marner’s postseason performance last season, with only three points in seven games, has drawn criticism and fueled speculation about his future.

Approaching the final year of his six-year, $65.4 million contract, Marner faces decisions about his next steps. While the Leafs are willing to pay a premium for his extension, insiders suggest Marner is considering factors beyond money, including the pressures of playing in Toronto.