Sheldon Keefe admits he's trying to convert Mitch Marner into a defenseman
Toronto Maple Leafs Head Coach, Sheldon Keefe might try some alternatives to scoring this season. Keefe admitted that they might use Mitch Marner in certain scenarios to play defense late in a game if they are down a goal or two. This is an interesting concept and a responsibility that Marner can certainly handle. Marner is already well known for his offensive production and his outstanding skating ability. He is also a very responsible defensively in his own end so the thought of him playing defense at times is intriguing. It has even been suggested that a Selke Trophy could be in Marner's future thanks to is tenacious defensive play.
Keefe says they've been looking at specific situations where they'd try Marner on defense. Like late game situations where they need another goal, as an example.
This is not the first time an organization has tried a forward at the back end. One example you might recall is when the Detroit Red Wings used to use Sergei Fedorov in the 1990's as a defender. Fedorov adjusted to the role quickly and successfully. Since Marner is such a gifted skater as well, this might be a role that suits him.
At the very least, putting an extra forward out when you need a goal is a decent idea by Sheldon Keefe and a nice luxury to have. You have to commend Sheldon Keefe for thinking outside the box and trying something new and Marner for willing to try to help the Leafs in any way he can. It will be curious to see if the Maple Leafs try this during the regular season and how it plays out.
| POLL | ||
Is converting Marner to a temporary defenseman a good idea? | ||
| Absolutely not | 40 | 38.8 % |
| Yes, it could work | 39 | 37.9 % |
| Keefe is over thinking this | 24 | 23.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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