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***luke*** · 02-13-2024, 07:07 AM

Mats Marner
@leafsftw1967

Like Martijn Westbroek, Ryuuji Minamino, and Daniel Smeb that are on the list or honorable mentions. Mats Marner was a part of the core group of the Chicago Syndicate Dynasty. Marner is the final piece of the Dynasty that will be on this list. Drafted in S54, at 6th OA to the Calgary Dragons, Marner was not a Chicago Syndicate at first.
First appearing in the SHL in S57 to the Calgary Dragons. Marner had a decent rookie season, getting 15 goals, 18 assists for 33 points. He earned a rookie all star appearance. S58 also saw Marner back as a Dragon, improving to 52 points over the 66 games. That offseason however, Marner was traded to the Pride. In his S60 upcoming free agency article. Marner shone some light into why the move was made. With Marner saying
“There had been talks between general manager Mike Izzy and Mats Marner with contract negotiations throughout the season fifty nine off season and into the regular season. After five straight early round exists from the playoffs since being drafted in season fifty four, Marner had made his intentions clear with Dragons management that he was wanting to see some playoff success before he would sign his next contract with Calgary.”

traded to SFP for Jeff Brogen, Gerry Atrick, and a S61 1st. After playing 41 games with the Dragons, Marner was traded to SFP. Playing the remaining 22 games in S59 with the Pride. With his seasons totals being 63 GP, with 18 goals, 39 assists for 57 points. Marner went to free agency.

Who would land him none other than Chicago. signing Marner to a 3 season deal. Where he would stay for the rest of his career. The first season, Marner had an underwhelming season, only 43 points in 66 games played. But S61 showe what he could do. With 30 goals, 40 assists for 7- points. Marner finally broke out for a career high and his first season over a PPG. With that season he also was nominated for the Aidan Richan Award for most improved.

S62 & S63 continued the success of S61. Seeing Marner reach a career high of 82 points in S62. and another 70+ point season performance in S63 with Marner scoring 71 points. He was becoming the type of player wanted to be.

S64 finally saw Marner get rewarded with trophies, and something he was searching for his career. WIth a career high 51 goals, 32 assists for 83 points, Good for 7th in the league in points and 1st in goals(10 above the 2nd place). Marner led the league in goals that season. Earning a Ron Mexico nomination and 1st All Star Team as well. Most importantly, he won his first Challenge Cup as well.

S65 he compounded on the previous season, scoring 42 goals, 47 assists for 89 points. Good for 2nd in points for the season, and 3rd in goals for that season. Earning him another 1st All Star Team.

S66 showed he is one of the best goal scorers in the league again. His 3rd consecutive 40+ goal season. Marner scored 49 goals, 44 assists for a career high 93 points on the season. Winning his 2nd Jay McDonald Award(along with Luukas Lilja that season), and his 3rd 1st All Star Team. He was also 10th in points that season as well.

S67 showed Marner slow down a bit. Only 32 goals that season, with 41 assists for 73 points. He dipped down to 38th in the league in points. S68 showed a bounce back however. Scoring 39 goals, 48 assists for 87 points. Good for 15th in the league in points that season. S69 would prove to be his final big season. Scoring 38 goals, 44 assists for 82 points(23rd in points).

With regression beating down on him, and his minutes reduced. Marner had 915 points in the past 855 games played. An amazing career so far, with 9 30+ goal seasons. One of the best goal scorers of that decade.

S70 saw Marner score 22 goals, 40 assists for 62 points. S71 saw Marner get 62 points again. S72 saw one final push to get 30+ goals and be over a PPG again. Scoring 34 goals, 41 assists for 75 points(31st in league). S73 saw him decline again, only 61 points in 66 games played. THen in S74 Marner called it a career after 50 points in 66 games. How lowest point since S61.

Retiring with 1185 games played in his belt. He scored 545 goals, 680 assists for 1225 points over his career. Being over a point per game over his career, and one of a couple dozen to score over 1000 points over their career. 5th in career points, 3rd in career goals, and one of 6 players who scored above a PPG and scored 1000+ points. Marner had an amazing career.

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