Steven Lorentz makes his feelings known about joining Maple Leafs' topline alongside Mitch Marner and $53,000,000 star

Steven Lorentz shared his thoughts on joining the Maple Leafs’ top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. The move came after Matthew Knies was replaced on the line.

After Monday’s practice, Lorentz said playing with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner comes with high expectations.

"I was just saying I'm used to looking a little bit lower down in the lineup for my name, but, you know, I'm not gonna lie. I was a little nervous at first," Lorentz said. "And anytime you're playing with guys that caliber, it’s unfortunate, but you know, you got a little bit bigger expectations."

Lorentz explained that he isn’t there to play a skill-focused game like his linemates. Instead, his focus is on creating space using his size and speed.

"At the same time, I realized that I’m not up there to play that skill game that those guys are so good at," Lorentz said. "I’m there to, you know, do what I’ve been doing all year, just use my size and my speed to try to create space.

And I talked to those guys individually after practice, and I just said, you know, be a little bit patient with me. And they said, absolutely, don’t try to do anything and anything that, you know, out of your comfort zone. Just go back, get pucks back, and we’ll do the rest. Just go within that. So again, that stuff’s easy for me. If I do what I’m good at, they’ll do their part. Hopefully, we can find some chemistry."

Auston Matthews is in the first season of his four-year, $53 million contract, with a $13.25 million cap hit. He has 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points this season. Mitch Marner has been a key contributor, with 14 goals and 45 assists for 59 points, ranking fifth in the league.

Toronto Maple Leafs have improved their record with Mitch Marner leading the team

The Toronto Maple Leafs lead the Atlantic Division with a 27-15-2 record and 56 points. They score 3.07 goals per game and have a strong penalty kill success rate of 83.6%. William Nylander leads the team in goals with 24, while Marner leads in assists and points.

Lorentz’s ability to complement Matthews and Marner could strengthen the Leafs’ top line. With their consistent performance this season, the Leafs are positioning themselves well for the playoffs.

Mitch Marner and the Maple Leafs will face the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.