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Drafting the Current Toronto Maple Leafs Roster In Their Prime

By Jeff Borsuk

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 13: Head coach Sheldon Keefe of the Toronto Maple Leafs watches the action late in the game against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Flames defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 13: Head coach Sheldon Keefe of the Toronto Maple Leafs watches the action late in the game against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Flames defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs – Mitchell Marner (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Fourth Overall Pick – Mitch Marner

The pride of Markham, Ontario gets drafted fourth overall.

It happens to be the same spot that Mitch Marner entered the NHL when the Toronto Maple Leafs took him with the fourth pick of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. The belief at the time was that Mark Hunter pushed for the diminutive forward while Mike Babcock preferred defenseman Noah Hanifin. While this narrative was debunked by Justin Bourne, Hunter is still often credited for recognizing and advocating for the London Knights alumni.

It’s hard to imagine that at the time, even Hunter had any idea that Marner would quickly develop into one of the premier players in the NHL. Marner’s vision and hockey IQ are off the charts, which helps him be such an effective playmaker.

It didn’t take long for Marner to make a believer of his critics. In his first season, he was named to the All-Rookie Team. It’s a spot he earned by posting 19 goals and 42 assists in 77 games. In Marner’s young career, his best season was 2018-19. That year, he played in every game of the Buds 82 contests, where recorded 26 goals and 68 assists for a total of 94 points. It may just be a matter of time before the right-winger breaks the 100 point threshold.

Marner is the sort of player that every coach wants on their team. Not only is he extremely talented but he can and does play in every situation. Better yet, Marner elevates the play of everyone out on a shift with him. He can make a good player look great.

Some will be critical of Marner’s placement of fourth on this list. He arguably hasn’t even hit his prime and the best is still yet to come.

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