The Vegas Golden Knights swung for the fences in acquiring Mitch Marner via sign-and-trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Despite TOR’s relative lack of playoff success during Marner’s tenure, the winger will be a valuable running mate for either Jack Eichel or Tomas Hertl.
The 6’0” 181lb Marner doesn’t have the same defensive reputation as new teammate Mark Stone does. However he is remarkably good at turning defense into rush offense thanks to his work rate and anticipation.
Seeing that Tampa is about to break the puck out, TOR16 Marner tracks hard through the middle, wins body position against a bigger opponent (TBL27 Ryan McDonagh) and sets up TOR34 Auston Matthews while having his back to the net.
Despite not being the fleetest puck carrier, the speed at which CAN16 Marner reacts to changes in possession allows him to create separation. Marner tracks, transitions, attacks the middle and delays to set up Sam Bennett’s goal. Vegas head coach Bruce Cassidy looks on from the Canadian bench.
By NHL standards, Vegas is a relatively passive forechecking team. Marner’s cerebral nature makes him a perfect systemic fit. Marner initially holds his ground against Florida’s set breakout. He then baits Gustav Forsling into making a poor first pass, dispossesses Aaron Ekblad and sets up Matthews for a re-entry goal.
It remains to be seen how Marner will fit on Vegas’ powerplay (he and Eichel are both righties who prefer to play on the flank - perhaps VGK will take a page out of Edmonton PP1’s playbook), but at 5v5 the winger’s two-way genius will allow him to make an immediate impact.
Learn NHL tactics visually, like the pros do
Enjoy the fully illustrated ebook on your computer or tablet
Save it on your smartphone for reference on-the-go
Print out relevant pages to post in the locker room for your players to absorb
I have played and watched hockey for over 50 years and thought I understood the game pretty well. It wasn't until I started reading your books that I truly understood the strategies and nuances of the game. Your books have really upped my game. - P.F.
We used many of the strategies as we won our high school's first state title in our 50th season. Much appreciated. - J.L.