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Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 genuine contenders for end of season awards

By Paul Taylor

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 26: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates setting up teammate Igor Ozhiganov #92 for his 1st NHL goal against the Boston Bruins at Scotiabank Arena on November 26, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 26: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates setting up teammate Igor Ozhiganov #92 for his 1st NHL goal against the Boston Bruins at Scotiabank Arena on November 26, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
TORONTO,ON – DECEMBER 6: Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 6, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Red Wings defeated the Maple Leafs 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

4) Mitch Marner

Contender for: Art Ross Trophy

Previous Leafs winners:

None (unofficially won by seven players prior to the inception of the award in 1948)

Of our four contenders, Mitch Marner is the one people would arguably least expect to be included. In many ways, this represents the narrative of his career to date.

It’s not that Marner isn’t rated as a talent. However, when you’re on a team that includes the likes of Matthews and Tavares, you’re going to go somewhat under the radar.

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However, we don’t imagine the 21-year-old will mind too much, if people want to keep underestimating or not pay attention to him. Let critics keep talking about his lack of size; it doesn’t matter.

What does matter is that Marner is producing on the ice where it counts. Entering Dec. 7 he has 40 points, in fourth place and seven points behind top spot, hence why we pick him as a genuine contender for the Art Ross Trophy.

The Markham, Ontario native pretty much hit the ground (ice) running in his rookie year and hasn’t looked back since. This season though — as with Andersen — he has taken his game to another level.

And in truth, you get the feeling Marner still has more to give, which is a scary prospect for the rest of the league. If he manages to achieve that during this season, his chances of winning the Art Ross Trophy will improve from good to excellent.

Next. Impact of 2019-20 salary cap on the Leafs. dark

Which of the four Toronto Maple Leafs players listed, do you predict has the best chance of taking home an award at the end of this season? Is there anyone else you would have included in the list, and if so, why? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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