Maple Leafs star winger Mitch Marner has found himself in an enviable position for Team Canada, being featured on the top line with two dangerous linemates.
With the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off set to commence, most players are enjoying a two week break. Mitch Marner, however, is preparing to represent his country well and win the tournament with Team Canada.
Leading up to the 4 Nations Face-Off, many fans and pundits enjoyed the opportunity to go over the roster and tinker with the lines on their own, looking for the optimal combinations.
On Monday, Team Canada took to the ice for the first time, and with a very talented crop of forwards at their disposal, nobody knew quite what to expect in terms of line combinations. Luckily for Marner, he has drawn a top line assignment.
Last week, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid was salivating at the thought of playing on a line with Marner. On Monday, he got his wish.
According to TSN's Chris Johnston, Marner will begin the tournament with Connor McDavid and Sam Reinhart. The second line will feature Sidney Crosby, Mark Stone and Nathan MacKinnon.
That top line of Reinhart-McDavid-Marner could do some real damage for Canada. Not only can both Reinhart and McDavid finish at an elite rate, but McDavid and Marner represent to of the NHL's elite, elite playmakers. Reinhart just drew the winning lottery ticket.
Marner also landed a role with Canada's 2nd power play unit, playing with Mark Stone, Brayden Point, Josh Morrissey and Shea Theodore.
Canada will open their tournament against Sweden in a showcase between Leafs teammates Mitch Marner and William Nylander. They should put on one heck of a show to kick off the 4 Nations Face-Off.
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