Marner has not played center at the NHL level, last filling the position in junior hockey with the London Knights.
It’s no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a mounting injury plague 19 games into the season, with Auston Matthews (upper-body), Calle Jarnkrok (groin/sports hernia), and David Kampf (lower-body) among the notable centers sidelined. Additionally, Max Domi has missed recent practices due to an undisclosed ailment. To address the situation, the team recalled Fraser Minten on Tuesday, who could also slot in at center.
Despite the challenges, head coach Craig Berube hasn’t ruled out another creative solution: moving Mitch Marner up the middle.
“I talked to Mitch the other day about it, actually. He said, ‘No problem, whatever you want.’ He's smart enough for sure,” Berube said. “I know he's played some D here, too, in the past. I think he could play all positions. But, no, it's definitely an option if we need it.”
Marner has not played center at the NHL level, last filling the position in junior hockey with the London Knights. However, Berube acknowledged the learning curve but noted Marner’s hockey IQ and positional awareness as assets.
“I think he's the guy that can go in there and understand the positioning and what to do. You know, I guess, you know, you have to worry about face-offs a little bit and things like that. But he's definitely a guy that we can use there for sure.”
Marner’s adaptability has been on display throughout his NHL career. From playing on both wings to even taking shifts on defense, he has consistently shown a willingness to step into unfamiliar roles. The club has also experimented with William Nylander, in the past two preseasons, but has decided to keep him on the wing.
With their current injury issues, the team may need to rely on unconventional solutions, and Marner at center could become a reality considering Domi, Minten, and Steven Lorentz are playing behind first-line center John Tavares.
Besides, Marner has the instincts of a center through his strong two-way play, vision, and puck-moving abilities – it could offer a more balanced approach for a team lacking depth at the position currently.
Marner is playing in the final year of a six-year, $65.4 million contract and is a pending unrestricted free agent. The 27-year-old has six goals, 18 assists, and 24 points in 19 games this season. Over his last five games, Marner has eight points (4G, 4A), including his 200th career goal against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
The Leafs appear to be exploring all their options, and Marner seems to be a key part of their contingency plans. With their next game scheduled for Wednesday against the Vegas Golden Knights, more clarity on the lineup should emerge soon.
