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Coming into the season with big expectations after a successful rookie season, and a gold medal at the Hlinka Tournament, Mitch Marner’s season started off slow for the first five to ten games, before talking off like a rocket. He shot up the OHL scoring charts and NHL draft boards with his play over the last several months. With 44 goals and 82 assists for 126 points in 63 games, he finished second to Dylan Strome for the OHL scoring lead, and second to just Connor McDavid in points per game.

A versatile forward, Marner has seen time at all three forward positions over the last two years. He spent most of his season at right wing, playing on the second line to start there, then he and Christian Dvorak moved up to play with Max Domi post-OHL trade deadline. He has seen some time at centre late in the season and the playoffs though, as Dale Hunter has been shuffling his lines a lot. That said, Marner seems to be more suited to playing on the wing than at centre in the professional game.

Mitch Marner

Center/Wing — shoots Right

Born May 5 1997 — Thornhill, ONT

Height 5.11 — Weight 164 [181 cm/74 kg]

Mitch Marner may be a little undersized, but that doesn’t stop him from playing a gritty game and getting to the front of the net or battling for pucks in the corners. He is relentless on the forecheck, getting in quickly and causing turnovers. He has developed a much stronger shot this season, and has an excellent release. That said, it is Marner’s outstanding vision and playmaking skill that make him a potential top pick. He controls the puck extremely well, and can extend plays on the cycle giving his linemates time to get open. Marner seems a bit bigger and more muscular, better able to fight through checks, than what he is listed at on the OHL website (stay tuned to the NHL Combine); that said he will need to improve his strength further before getting to the pro game. Marner’s hockey sense is top notch as he makes the smart play with the puck, and can find openings in the offensive zone without it.

Mitch Marner is a tremendous skater. He has great speed, and very good acceleration. His quick first few steps help him to pounce on loose pucks, and win races all over the ice. He has excellent agility and edgework and is extremely shifty. Couple this with his strong puckhandling, and he is very difficult to defend off the rush. He also shows the ability to slow the game down, or speed it up, which is just one more weapon in his arsenal that he uses to fool defenders. Marner’s balance and strength on his skates is good for his size; though it can improve as he adds more muscle to his frame.

Mitch Marner is able to use his tenaciousness, his hockey sense, and his quick feet to be effective in his own end as well. His quickness, and his anticipation help him to shut down plays and create turnovers which are quickly transitioned into offensive chances. He is willing to block shots, and get in the way of passing lanes as well. Marner’s tenaciousness is a trait that extends to his own zone as he works to win battles along the boards and support his defence down low. Even as a 17-year old he is an important penalty killer for London.

Marner has the ability to make his teammates better. He has the potential to be a top line forward in the NHL, if he can continue to develop his game. He might not be NHL ready this fall, as he needs to add muscle, but that shouldn’t be too much of a concern as ceiling is very high. While not a talent comparison, Marner’s style has elements of the skill game of Patrick Kane, with the grit and tenacity of Brendan Gallagher.

Here are some highlights of Mitch Marner in action.

Check back tomorrow for my number five prospect.