But even after leading the Knights to the Memorial Cup championship, being named most valuable player in the OHL and winning MVP of the Memorial Cup tournament, Marner knows there is no guarantee he'll play with the Maple Leafs this season. He said his goal for 2016-17 is to make the NHL, but he understands it will be a difficult challenge.
"Obviously I'd like to make the team," Marner said. "But it starts with these camps here. I have to make sure my mind is here and try to get as much out of this as I can. If I do that then I'm going to feel confident going into the main camps and not as nervous as I was last year."
The Maple Leafs had a tough decision to make in 2015 when they picked Marner fourth. In addition to Marner, defenseman Noah Hanifin, who went fifth to the Carolina Hurricanes, was also available. Toronto opted for Marner's skill over the 6-foot-3, 206-pound Hanifin's size. Hanifin made the Hurricanes last season and scored four goals and 22 points in 79 games
Nobody doubts Marner's skill. The question is, at 5-foot-11 and 163 pounds, is he strong enough to compete for a job with the Maple Leafs? Toronto has indicated it would like him to be closer to 170 pounds for the start of training camp.
Marner started training a few weeks ago, not long after helping the Knights win the Memorial Cup.
"I'm trying to get heavier and stronger every day," Marner said. "I want to make sure I feel comfortable enough to go out against men and play hard and play my game. I want to make sure I can go out there and do things I like to do. My main goal this summer is putting on weight and making sure I'm getting the strength."