Toronto Maple Leafs: Mitchell Marner Similar To Patrick Kane

One can already draw comparisons between Toronto Maple Leafs Mitchell Marner and Chicago Blackhawks Patrick Kane.

Toronto Maple Leafs Mitchell Marner is still young and his NHL career just launched earlier this season but, one can already see similarities between his first season and Patrick Kane’s. Even outside of the NHL, we can look into both players London Knights days.

Yes, they both played for the same team in the OHL, the aforementioned London Knights. Although, Kane opted to play for the United States U-18 National Team Development Program instead of a prolonged stay with the Knights.

Marner and Kane starred in the OHL and nothing changed when they transitioned into the NHL. Size hasn’t even been a hindrance for these guys, I don’t think anything can stop them.

Because Kane played just one year with the Knights, we’ll examine each players (first for Kane, last for Marner) year before jumping into the NHL. Let’s compare.

Their OHL Statistics

We’re not going to get into their playoff statistics from Juniors or even their accomplishments, just their regular season stats. To reiterate, I’m evaluating both players regular season stats from their last season with the Knights (Kane just played one year with them).

It’s not easy to just throw Marner’s averaged career OHL stats in, as they would portray rather obscure numbers.

They both played almost the exact same number of games, Kane scored a lot more than Marner but, their assist totals were pretty close to even. Now, neither guys aren’t known to take a lot of penalties so, don’t expect them to excel in that department.

Their Rookie NHL Season Statistics

Again, I’m just going into their regular season stats and not their personal accolades or anything like that. Also, please keep in mind that Marner is in the midst of his first NHL season so, it’s somewhat difficult to get exact numbers.

If we just look at where Marner would compare most of the way through the season, the numbers aren’t that off. But, let’s run with his projected totals for fun. Remember, projected stats are great and all but, they’re subject to change.

Kane would have played five more games, scored one more goal, five more assists, totaling six more points and serving nine more penalty minutes than Marner’s projected rookie season totals. Pretty darn close, eh? They both play a similar game too. Kind of like where the puck is on a string and it’s attached to their stick. Check it out.

First, Kane with this dirty deke. And then…

Marner with this filthy finish.

Now, this is just skin and bones comparisons I’m throwing out there. The point I’m trying to prove is that they are similar players. And in no way did I just say that Marner is Kane. All I’m saying is that he’s trending in a similar path to that of Kane’s.

That’s all. I just think it’s interesting how alike they are. Size, skill, you name it.