In his breakout season, Mitch Marner showcases the talent and contribution to winning that had the Leafs take him 4th overall in the 2015 NHL draft (Picture: Claus Andersen/Getty Images File Photo)
With the Leaf’s hot start in an even more difficult division than years past, Mitch Marner’s scoring impact has been of particular importance over the first fifth of the hockey year. In this shortened season, he is on track to have his most productive year since entering into the league. The improvements he has made could potentially take the Toronto Maple Leafs deep into the playoffs.
Coming into the season, the partnership between Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews was viewed by many as their key to success. Marner’s ascension into the ranks of hockey's top scorers has elevated the duo's play and has resulted in the Leafs currently holding the first seed in the North Division.
The most obvious improvement to Marner’s arsenal is his newfound scoring mentality. In previous years, he was widely viewed as more of a pass first player. After 10 games of this season, he has taken on much more of a scoring load while also remaining a key playmaker. This has led him to be in the top 5 for points in the league. He also ranks in the top 10 players for assists at 11 assists in 11 games. He’s shown his ability to be a clutch player, seen through his ability to score game winning goals. In his latest 82 game season, he scored only 5 game winning goals, in comparison to the current season where he is projected to surpass his career-high having already scored 2 game winners.
Marner’s increased scoring has not come at the expense of the Leafs' success, which is primarily due to his efficiency. His 2.20 shots per game are actually at a career low, however he is still scoring at a rate that is double any of his previous seasons. His efficiency has translated into team-wide stats, with the Leafs currently rank top 5 in goals for, goals for per game and point percentage while only placing 15th in shots per game played. The Leafs' efficient offensive scheme has helped further unlock Marner’s ability to put the puck in the net.
Coming into this tumultuous season, the biggest knock on Marner’s game was his overreliance on his playmaking and hesitancy in his own shot. This, coupled with the scoring burden placed on Auston Matthews, had many pundits doubting the Leaf’s offense. This has changed in part due to Joe Thornton’s acquisition in the off-season. As not only a locker room presence but an added offensive threat, the 7th all-time assists leader helps take the edge off of Marner and add another versatile piece to the Leafs first line. Now the Toronto Maple Leafs front line ranks as the fourth most productive in the entire league. Leafs fans are hoping this unprecedented momentum carries into the playoffs, where they have struggled to get past the first round. Currently holding the first seed in a difficult North Division has added more pressure on the organization to go further in the playoffs. Mitch Marner’s trajectory as a bright young star is key for the Leaf’s to get over the hurdle and continue the success the team has enjoyed so far this season.
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