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Toronto Maple Leafs: Andersen, Anderson, Marner

By Eduardo Razo

Oct 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock talks to the press following their victory against the Florida Panthers at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Panthers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock talks to the press following their victory against the Florida Panthers at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Panthers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 20, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Mitch Marner is a magician with the puck

Going into this season I thought it would take Marner until January to get accustomed to the NHL style of play. That’s why I was a strong believer in letting Marner play in the World Juniors again this year, so that way he could come back with a new boost of confidence.

Man, was I wrong.

However, Marner has met and even exceeded expectations this season. In a line that features veterans like Tyler Bozak and James Van Riemsdyk, it’s a 19-year-old that drives that line.

Need proof?

His game versus the Panthers showed that he’s a magician with the puck; take the Bozak goal for example. He knew where Bozak would be and just put the puck on his stick for an easy goal. Furthermore, he assisted in all three goals in that game and displayed his magic touch with the chemistry he has formed.

Marner still needs to work on the defensive side of his game, but that will come over time and for now just enjoy his elite skill.

With his ninth game in the books, it appears that Marner is here to stay for the long haul. Also, if his creativity continues then he will definitely be a dark horse to try and dethrone the likes of Patrik Laine and teammate Auston Matthews for the Calder this year.

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