Which Players Will Benefit Most From Life Without Mitch Marner for the Maple Leafs

When the Leafs sent Mitch Marner to Las Vegas earlier this summer, the deal was looked upon as somewhat underwhelming by fans who were hoping for a lot more in return than just veteran forward Nicolas Roy.

This, of course, is not a knock on Roy, who is a useful player who will play an important role for the Maple Leafs this season, but rather a realization that the subtraction is greater than the addition(s).

However, it's not all bad for the Leafs, as Marner took up a lot of real estate for the Leafs in the lineup. Now, sans Marner, other players will have some bigger opportunities opening up for them.

On the surface level, it's hard to believe that anyone will benefit from Marner's departure more than William Nylander, who should see a spike in his ice time as the Leafs' top winger in Marner's absence.

Nylander was also used sparsely on the penalty kill last season, so his ice time in that department could rise as well, meaning that the game-changing winger will see more usage in all situations. Nylander likely sees more touches on the power play as well, now that the play no longer runs through Marner.

Another player who should see an increased role from a playmaking standpoint is Max Domi.

Domi's name has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate earlier this summer, but with the obvious chemistry he has shown with Auston Matthews in the past, and with his vision and puck distribution now among the highest on the team, we could yet see Domi elevated to PP1 -- though he almost certainly won't man the point, as Marner did.

Lastly, newcomer Matias Maccelli stands to benefit quite a bit from the Marner departure, largely due to the fact that Marner leaving opened up a hole in the top-6 that would not have otherwise been there for the 24-year-old. There may not be a steep spike in ice time between a 2nd line winger and a 3rd line winger, but seeing usage with better players can do wonders for a playmaker's numbers.

There are certainly others who may benefit from more ice time and increased opportunities in Marner's absence, but these are undoubtedly the top-3.

Honorable mention goes to Scott Laughton, who may see a steep increase in ice time on the PK.