Legends of Hockey

The Hockey Legacy of Mitch Marner

From the frozen ponds of Markham to the bright lights of Scotiabank Arena, Mitch Marner’s hockey journey began with a stick in his hands almost before he could walk. Raised in a hockey-obsessed family, young Mitch would mimic NHL highlights in his driveway, honing the sleight-of-hand puck skills that would later leave defenders grasping at air. His junior career with the London Knights was a masterclass in dominance, where he racked up points with a blend of audacious dangles and visionary passing, earning the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player award in 2016.

Drafted fourth overall by the Maple Leafs in 2015, Marner burst onto the NHL scene with a rookie season that felt like a highlight reel on loop. His chemistry with Auston Matthews became instant folklore—a give-and-go partnership that turned games into art. Who could forget his 2019 playoff performance against Boston, where he dissected the Bruins’ defense with a four-point night, including a backhand saucer pass that defied physics? Or his 2021 season, where he became the first Leaf in decades to notch 20 points in 10 games, silencing critics who doubted his consistency?

Marner’s legacy isn’t just in numbers—it’s in the joy he brings to the game. Whether he’s pulling off a ‘Michigan’ lacrosse-style goal in practice or dishing no-look feeds through traffic, his play embodies creativity. Off the ice, his ‘Marner Assist Fund’ supports youth charities, proving his impact stretches far beyond the rink. As a rival, you hate playing against him—but you can’t help but marvel at the show.

Mitch Marner