I don't think so, Marner is a special player, Eichel and McDavid are truly exceptional. Guys who are no question franchise centerman. I think it's unfair to Marner to compare him to them.
Could you compare him to McDavid or Eichel if he had more size?
Marner has to be the clear 3rd pick right now. He's just playing out of his mind.
I think he'll have a better transition than most junior players because he's so good without the puck like getting open for shots and he knows how to move the puck quickly.
Three questions for you or anyone else with first-hand observation (based on your assessment above, I'm assuming you have watched Marner play actual games):
1 - You mentioned that Marner is good without the puck. How is he when the other team has the puck (defense)? Specifically in positioning and effort. And especially when playing center.
2 - Does he go into dirty areas of the ice? Will he take a hit to make play?
3 - Does he net out as a guy who can play (well at) both center or wing in the NHL?
The Kane reference is tantalizing.
Thanks in advance for the responses.
He's good in positioning and he definitely tries his hardest to get the puck back but sometimes he loses puck battles to bigger players. He's good with his stick though to steal the puck backchecking or reading plays like passes cross ice.Three questions for you or anyone else with first-hand observation (based on your assessment above, I'm assuming you have watched Marner play actual games):
1 - You mentioned that Marner is good without the puck. How is he when the other team has the puck (defense)? Specifically in positioning and effort. And especially when playing center.
2 - Does he go into dirty areas of the ice? Will he take a hit to make play?
3 - Does he net out as a guy who can play (well at) both center or wing in the NHL?
The Kane reference is tantalizing.
Thanks in advance for the responses.
Best comparable is P. Kane imo.
Seems more Giroux than Kane to me. He even plays the same brand of defense. That is, he isn't necessarily five steps ahead in the D zone like Bergeron or Kopitar, but he is effective because he hustles and works hard enough to break up opposing chances.
Kane also generates offense with his skill and ability to make such precise passes and shots. Giroux relies more on his vision, awareness, and creativity. That's not to say both don't have some of the other's characteristics, but just what each player relies on for most of his production.
I think Marner relies on Giroux's assets (vision, awareness, and creativity) more than Kane's and that will be even more pronounced at the NHL level.
He's a hybrid of the two IMO. His tenacity is Giroux level and his skill is Kane level
Seems more Giroux than Kane to me. He even plays the same brand of defense. That is, he isn't necessarily five steps ahead in the D zone like Bergeron or Kopitar, but he is effective because he hustles and works hard enough to break up opposing chances.
Kane also generates offense with his skill and ability to make such precise passes and shots. Giroux relies more on his vision, awareness, and creativity. That's not to say both don't have some of the other's characteristics, but just what each player relies on for most of his production.
I think Marner relies on Giroux's assets (vision, awareness, and creativity) more than Kane's and that will be even more pronounced at the NHL level.
Odds Dvorak and Marner can make the jump to the NHL next year together with Domi?
I think there's a pretty good chance Marner ends up in Edmonton.
If Arizona is drafting at #2..... Do they select Eichel..... Or Marner to keep the Knights line together.
This could happen.
is there any chance we can get the whole "Grand Marnier" nickname trending? That would be great.