Mitch Marner's 2016-17 Season Rookie Report Card

Mitch Marner Joined the Toronto Maple Leafs This Season For His Rookie Season After Being the 4th Overall Pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Toronto Fans Have Been Waiting on Marner’s Rookie Season And the Future of Seeing Marner and Auston Matthews Debut in the Same Season Was Almost Too Much to Handle.

Mitch Marner enchanted Maple Leafs fans when he joined the team for his rookie season alongside fellow famed rookie Auston Matthews. Marner was the 4th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and was a rookie that elevated the bar of excitement.

Marner made quite the splash in his rookie debut and was a member of the rookie power core that gave Toronto so much success this season. Here, we’ll review some grades for Marner’s first season in the NHL.

Toronto Maple Leaf Mitch Marner’s Rookie Report Card

2016-17 Season Stats

19 G, 42 A, 61 P in 77 GP

2016-17 Playoff Stats

1 G, 3 A, 4 P in 6 GP

Offensive Play: A

Marner’s rookie season was characterized by his incredible gift for offense. This rookie knew how to get the puck in the net when his team needed it and was a driving force in a lot of the plays the Leafs made. Marner’s play-making abilities were strong and his play matched perfectly with his fellow rookies and his team.

Marner knew how to create points on the ice and had no problem finishing the execution and getting the puck in the net. The rookie was gifted at beating goaltenders and setting up plays, which defined his rookie season. Marner silently notched achievement after achievement in his game throughout the season.

Defensive play: B

Marner wasn’t an actively defensive player but provided some great defense-esque play on the ice. The rookie was skilled at stealing and holding onto the puck, especially when he was in the middle of making a play. Marner knew how to defend the puck and pickpocket his opposition when he wanted it back.

Marner’s play might not have been defense-centric but it did have defensive flair that added to the quality of his play. He knew when to dish out a hit every now and then and held a strong stature while he played. Defense might not have been his entire game, but it was a piece he was good at when he pulled it out.

Play-making/ Ice Presence: A

Marner’s entire season can be characterized by his excellent play-making abilities and ice presence. Good things were consistently happening while Marner was on the ice and his presence did wonders for the team’s success this season. Marner, and the rest of Toronto’s rookie powers, was a staple in the Leafs’ success, especially on the offensive front.

Marner’s play-making abilities were constantly on display; he was always moving and passing the puck with intentions of executing the final goal. The rookie didn’t care who would capitalize and grab the goal, but he wanted to be a part of how it got there no matter the play unfolding. Marner’s ice presence was highly beneficial for the team and he brought with him an important habit of making plays and grabbing goals.

Potential: A

Marner is definitely destined for a huge NHL career. This rookie notched a lot of success in his rookie season and it only makes sense that his talents will continue to increase. For a season with rookies as once-in-a-lifetime as Patrik Laine and Matthews, Marner made quite the impression and was seen on par with these huge name talents.

At the end of the day, Marner is a big name talent at the young age of 20 years old. Marner will be a big name in the NHL for a long time and this is only the beginning. He will be a big part of Toronto’s new era that is only going to get stronger with each passing season.

Overall Grade: A

Marner posted an incredible season for the Maple Leafs, especially given it was his first season in the NHL. This rookie is headed for big things and this is only this beginning. His gift for offense is going to help him and his team achieve even more success in the future. His play-making abilities and ice presence can be unparalleled, especially at his young age.

Next: Auston Matthews' 2016-17 Rookie Report Card

Marner had an incredible season and his rookie season is an indication that his career is bound to reach amazing heights. Marner is a highly skilled player and his future with Toronto will be one to watch and remember.

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Mitch Marner’s 2016-17 Season Rookie Report Card

By Alyssa Naimoli | Jun 8, 2017