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Toronto Maple Leafs: The Century Club Awaits for Mitch Marner

By Jeremy Franks

MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 21: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates the puck during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on January 21, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 21: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates the puck during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on January 21, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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Seven years into his NHL career, Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs has made a habit of being among the best point-getters in the league.

Outside of those who closely follow the team, many would be surprised to hear that the Toronto Maple Leafs Superstar has yet to crack the single-season 100-point milestone.

He has reached the 90-point mark three times over the years, but due to bad fortune and circumstances, the century mark in points has eluded him.

It is safe to assume that one day that will change. The 2023-2024 season is a solid bet for him to join the Century Club.

Toronto Maple Leafs: The Century Club Awaits

Last season saw Marner come agonizingly close to reaching 100 points. He ended the regular season with 99 points. One measly point away from the magical hundred mark.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe decided to rest Marner since the Leafs had clinched their playoff positioning and to heel some bumps and bruises.

While individual achievements should not be placed above the accomplishments of the team, it was the cruelest example of circumstances not working in Marner’s favor.

For a player who averages well over a point per game, that missed game likely cost him the chance of hitting the milestone.

During the 2021-2022 season, the friendly fire of defenseman Jake Muzzin sidelined Marner for a few weeks. For a player who rarely misses time due to injury, it was an unlucky break.

He still finished that season with 97 points in 72 games for a career-best 1.35 points per game.

Shortened NHL seasons in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 meant fewer games to collect points.

Marner would admit that personal milestones take a back seat to the success of the team, but  “Lady Luck” owes him.

Without these unforeseen circumstances, Marner would reached a hundred points long ago. This coming year marks another opportunity and provides his best chance yet.

Factors Favor Marner

Many factors will support Marner’s race to 100 this season.

First, he and fellow star Auston Matthews are hitting their prime. Despite already putting up monster numbers during their careers, they have unlikely hit their ceiling.

Matthews is likely to rebound from a substandard (for him) year. More goals for Matthews means more assists for Marner.

Second, while the Toronto Maple Leafs have many moveable parts to their lineup, newcomers Tyler Bertuzzi and Matthew Knies offer some bulk and finish in front of the net. Expect them to be on the receiving end of many “tap-in” goals from Marner’s exemplary vision.

Next, Marner is a force on the Leafs power play, which consistently ranks near the top of the league. The addition of Bertuzzi and Guy Boucher should only help.

Finally, most stats (traditional or advanced) say Marner is still ascending.

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Misfortune seems the only hurdle to overcome in Marner’s quest for hitting the century mark. Otherwise, the signs are in his favor. Take the over.

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