Mitch Marner responds to the idea of playing some defense this season

The modern-day NHL defenseman is fast, skilled, and should be able to score anywhere between 35-45 points on the low end of the spectrum. Over the years, the NHL has shifted from the large, lumbering defensemen to the highly-skilled and high-octane rear-guards like Erik Karlsson, Roman Josi and, more recently, Cale Makar.

The Toronto Maple Leafs want to try something new - something different. Mitch Marner, a highly-skilled playmaking right winger, is open to the idea of trying out and experimenting as a defenseman. Now, of course this doesn't mean that Sheldon Keefe is going to pencil him as Morgan Rielly's dance partner to start the season but they believe that, situationally, it makes sense depending on the game state.

Late game, down by a goal, that's where they want more offense on the ice - something similar to the NBA tinkering with "small ball" lineups. Sheldon Keefe is willing to try different tactics and he has been impressed with Marner's two-way game. Beyond that, his skill is undeniable and can influence the outcome of a close game.

On Marner's two-way game, Sheldon Keefe said: "The more and more I watch the clips, that's what stands out. So for me, it's knowing Mitch's skill set, and I've got a pretty good library of clips where he is actually playing defense. Even though he's a forward on that shift, he is in the defense spot, quarterbacking things and, at times, even defending, so that's sort of why we came to that conclusion."


Marner was asked this week about the idea of playing some shifts on the blueline this season if Keefe and company wished to deploy him there. Here's what the Markham, Ontario native had to say about the idea:


To be clear, the idea is not to transition Marner into a permanent role as a two-way defenseman. It's just another game plan to put in the book. Late game, down a goal, need some magic type stuff. It's something that may help the Leafs in certain situations and lead to some extra points in the standings. As we all know, a few extra points here and there can end up being the difference between winning your division or finishing second.