Vegas Golden Knights fans will love where Mitch Marner is ranked heading into the 2025-26 season, according to NHL Network. Maple Leafs fans? Not so much.
Look away, Toronto Maple Leafs fans. Seeing Mitch Marner in the latest winger rankings by NHL Network will make your collective heads explode.
The newest Vegas Golden Knights winger takes the fifth spot heading into this season and with good reason (Rhymes Like Dimes!). Last season, he had 75 assists and 102 points, making him one of the NHL's premier players. Finally, Vegas has that superstar winger to go with their superstar center.
Ironically, the Maple Leafs weren't entirely excluded from the list. William Nylander cracked the Top 10, making the sixth spot. Last season, Nylander scored 45 goals (second-most in the NHL) and 39 assists, earning the distinction of being one of the most important players in Toronto.
Still, Nylander's ranked lower than Marner. Important note here.
As for Marner, he cuts his ranking in half from the season prior. Last season, he was ranked 10th entering the 2024-25 season. Putting together a 100+ point season certainly gives fans a reason to be excited about what's to come, especially when you have a Top Five winger in the NHL.
What does this show about Kelly McCrimmon and the Vegas Golden Knights?
Obviously, you've heard numerous things about Marner coming to the Golden Knights. He's an excellent two-way player who'll complement Jack Eichel in many ways. He can facilitate and score when needed, making him a bona fide offensive player.
As for McCrimmon? Well, he's a genius and he's got "bawls of steel," yada yada yada. Marner's latest ranking is a testament to the front office strength the Golden Knights possess. They're willing to make compromises and work salary cap magic to get key players (even if it makes the 31 other fan bases melt down).
Sorry, Maple Leafs fans. It's nothing personal. It's only business.
Most of all, it's a necessary move. Last season proved you needed a top-five winger in specific situations. That included going up and down the ice while setting up solid looks and opportunities. Enter the top-five winger, who can supplement these attributes and create endless scoring opportunities with his best buddy.
These rankings reflect that. It shows Vegas is taking a step in the right direction regarding their Stanley Cup contention window, going bold when called upon. Of course, that goes beyond being in the top five. Let's try shooting for the Top One by June, eh?
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