Former Leaf comments on what he feels Mitch Marner's ceiling is
After achieving Maple Leafs franchise history on Saturday night for breaking the record for the team's longest points streak, the question arose; what is Mitch Marner's ceiling? TLN/DFO's Nick Alberga asked the question to former Leaf Jay Rosehill. Rosehill had quite the response.
For a player who has averaged well over a point per game for four out of six seasons, there is no doubt that he is fringing on a generational talent. He may not quite be all the way there, but if he's not there, he's a tier below, according to Rosehill.
Aside from his offensive abilities, Marner is phenomenal on the defensive side of the puck, which most right wingers in the NHL cannot boast. Marner is playing some of the best hockey of his life right now, scoring 31 points in 26 games, en-route to a 19-game point streak. When considering the elite right wingers in the NHL, Marner has solidified himself as an easy top-five candidate.
As for his limit, the sky's the limit, as they say. He has continuously improved in all aspects of his game each and every year. Whether it be the criticism of his shot, his size, or his ability to score, Marner has proven his doubters wrong time and time again. He has become a more physical presence, totaling a career-best 75 hits last season. He's become more of a scoring threat, notching a career-high 35 goals in 2021-22. He's also one of the best shorthanded scorers and playmakers in the NHL.
In saying that, he is no Connor McDavid, but no player is. Rosehill hammered home that point during his assessment of Mitchy. In his current situation, Marner has dangerous superstars around him every shift. Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander are driving forces to Marner's success and Marner himself admitted that this past week. But, they all produce off of one another, which is why they are such a threat in the offensive zone. I'm sure if you asked Auston, JT and Willy, they'd all say that Marner is a huge reason for their successes as well.
If Marner can continue to develop in all areas of his game and perform at the level that he is currently performing at, it won't be long before the question has to be asked; is he in the conversation for top-five player in the entire league? If he reaches his peak and earns nominations for the Hart Trophy, Selke, and Ted Lindsay as the most outstanding player, he should be considered in that range.
Credit: hockeyreference.com
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 5 | 328 ANSWERS Former Leaf comments on what he feels Mitch Marner's ceiling is Has Mitch Marner hit his ceiling yet? | ||
| Yes | 55 | 16.8 % |
| No | 273 | 83.2 % |
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