As the new NHL season kicks off, anticipation for what lies ahead is at an all-time high. TSN Hockey, known for its keen insights and expert analysis, has once again put together its highly anticipated Top 50 players list, offering fans a sneak peek into who will dominate the ice this season. The full reveal special is set for Friday, but today, we get a glimpse of the players who have made the cut from 30th to 20th.
One player to watch closely this season is Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs. As he enters the final year of his hefty six-year, $65.41 million contract, all eyes are on this 27-year-old winger. With his pending unrestricted free agency looming, Marner has a lot to prove and stakes are high for a career-defining season.
Throughout his time with the Maple Leafs, Marner has consistently delivered impressive offensive numbers in the regular season. Coming close to the elusive 100-point mark in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, with 97 and 99 points respectively, Marner has shown his scoring prowess time and time again. Even with an ankle injury sidelining him for a month last season, Marner managed to put up impressive numbers with 26 goals and 85 points in just 69 games.
However, despite his regular season success, Marner has faced challenges when it comes to playoff performance. The Maple Leafs’ struggles in the postseason have been well-documented, with Marner often finding himself neutralized by opposing defenses. In their first-round loss to the Boston Bruins last year, Marner’s impact was limited to just one goal and three points. This lack of success in the playoffs has raised questions about Marner’s ability to elevate his game when it matters most.
In light of his playoff struggles, Marner has slipped in the rankings, dropping from No. 14 to No. 23 on TSN Hockey’s Top 50 list. The pressure is on for Marner to prove his worth and show that he can deliver when it counts.
Teammate William Nylander finds himself in a similar position, entering the 2023-24 season as a pending free agent. The stakes are high for both players, as they look to not only secure their future in Toronto but also make a lasting impact on the ice this season.
With the NHL season in full swing, all eyes are on Marner and Nylander as they strive to make their mark and lead the Maple Leafs to success. As the drama unfolds on the ice, the world will be watching to see if these two talented players can rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.
