Well-known analyst advocates for the Leafs to bring back the "Core 4"

Known for his colorful personality and candid commentary, Bissonnette recently made a compelling case for the Leafs to keep their "Core 4"—Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner—together for another season.

Bissonnette zeroes in on Mitch Marner, suggesting the team should strategically push him into a 'contract year' scenario. This, according to Biz, would be the ultimate test of Marner's mettle, compelling him to demonstrate his true value, especially when the spotlight burns brightest.

Is rooted in the belief that despite Marner's impressive 100-point regular season haul, the true measure of his worth should come from his playoff performances. "If Mitch doesn't think he deserves the scrutiny that he got this year based on his performance, he should simply 'prove it'," argues Bissonnette, indicating that the upcoming season under new head coach Craig Berube could be a pivotal one.

This perspective, while not widely popular among Leafs fans—who may be growing impatient with the team's lack of postseason success—sheds light on a critical strategy. Bissonnette's point highlights a broader discussion about player accountability and performance under pressure.

Despite the skepticism from some corners of Leafs Nation, the idea of giving the quartet another go could be seen as a calculated risk worth taking. If the Leafs decide to follow this path, it's clear that all eyes will be on Marner, not just during the regular season but more critically, in the postseason, where his ability to elevate his game will be under intense scrutiny.

This strategy of potentially 'running it back' with the Core 4 could be the Leafs' last best chance to capitalize on their current roster before inevitable changes come knocking, making this upcoming season one of the most intriguing yet for fans and analysts alike.