Marner is my favourite player but we need to be objective. He has struggled immensely this season.

It’s true that Ristolainen is an offensive defenseman, but he plays an extremely physical game with size & that’s what the Leafs need.

How has he struggled? Dudes been killing it... Are you confusing Marner for Kapanen? Johnsson?
There is also no way the Leafs trade for whatever is going on in the Sabres dressing room. Not to mention Risto's green jacket

Inconsistent team okay and a long list of key injuries. Leafs have not had their full lineup for even one game this season.

Definitely not.

Would you take Justin Faulk for Johnsson?

Yes.

Also Risto and Okposo are neither of those things.

But he's bottom 10% defensively, that's what the leafs need more

That's what they are on the Sabres.

Well, you can't use injuries as an excuse for the Leafs' poor play this season. The Penguins have missed Crosby, Malkin, Guentzel, Rust, Letang, Schultz, Dumoulin & Marino all for significant periods, yet they are still 4th in the East. They've literally played with Jack Johnson on their first pair for the last 3 months, and he has been less than spectacular. The issue with the Leafs is just Marner hasn't been able elevate his game to a level high enough to improve the Leafs' season.

Which means nothing.

Risto would be 2nd pair D in basically any other team and Okposo a bottom-6 winger.

Not on the Leafs though. They need defense.

Neither of them would bring that though. Risto is full offensive d-man, Okposo doesn't bring much these compared to his cap hit.

Again... poor team play and key injuries. Leafs are inconsistent... from period to period.

I don’t know how much more Marner can fetch you.

The Leafs still need more from Marner.

Sure, why not. Would like more from everyone.

To this trade, at least Cozens and two first rounders.

I've been watching Marner's games from last season & he looked so much sharper & more dynamic compared to this season. He looked really fast & flexible with his agility. Burned opposing teams' players so frequently & generated dangerous scoring chances. We're just not seeing that as much this year.

What'd you guys think? @TMLSage @PleaseBanMeForMyOwnGood

I like that you view Marner very highly, cuz not many people do.

Marner is a franchise player for the Leafs and is still really producing points for the Leafs and is really helping Matthews to get to 50 goals very fast this year. Thought he was the best Leaf last night in Buffalo with lots of energy so not sure why you are overly concerned. Could be that he is now playing with Matthews instead of Tavares that you are sensing some differences in his game from year. I have noticed that he is playing the left side point on power play unit instead of right point which is now being played by Barrie which also might account to some differences you are sensing in his game.

I disagree with your idea of trading Marner as it makes no sense.

Points-wise he's TOP5 of his position through last two years. There's virtually no reason to not value him highly.

You made some good points so I guess I can accept that. I do feel that he’s had to adjust to playing a bit more without the puck now that he’s with Matthews who’s got more foot speed compared to Tavares. I guess that could be why I have not been as impressed because we don’t get to see the dazzling skill set as frequently, but he is still very effective at putting up points. Still, I don’t think his confidence is fully there yet. There is another level to his game.

Well I guess you have a point. I just haven’t felt he’s been as impressive as last season.

I think you are that MikeyPensFan guy who is 100% a robot.