13 Musings: Has Mitch Marner played his way into the trophy conservations?
If last year was all about Auston Matthews settinggoal-scoring records, then this year is about Marner joining some big names with his now 22-game points streak.
Marner will need this kind of attention — being talked about after every game — if he is ever going to be seriously considered for some post-season hardware. Matthews already has two trophies that are voted on: the Calder, for rookie of the year, and the Hart, for most valuable player. Marner should be targeting the Selke as the best defensive forward. That award normally goes to a centre, and he’s a winger. But that really shouldn’t be held against him. He is the first penalty-kill option on a top penalty-killing team. And 5-on-5? The best defence is a strong offence.The case is strong enough for Marner to at least join the conversation. It may take Patrice Bergeron to retire before the award changes hands. And goodness knows there are plenty of deserving forwards.
I voted for him second last year. . Marner finished 16th in the voting. Matthews finished 10th, which speaks to the power that goes with the buzz that accompanies noteworthy accomplishments.Now to the 13 Musings …First place in the Atlantic Division, if not overall, is going to be very important. If the Leafs finish second, their likely opponent would be Tampa Bay.I imagine they’d rather play a wild-card team, which comes with the territory if you’re first in a division.