NHL analyst nominates $65,408,000 "worldclass playmaker" to be Connor McDavid's linemate in Canada's star-studded roster for 4 Nations Face-Off

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Jan 15, 2025 15:37 GMT

NHL: Edmonton Oilers at Chicago Blackhawks - Source: Imagn — NHL insider named Maple Leafs star as Connor McDavid's linemate (Image Source: Imagn)

Canada is preparing for the 4 Nations Face-Off, featuring top hockey stars like Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and others from four countries including the USA, Sweden and Finland. The tournament will take place from Feb. 12-20, with games in Montreal and Boston.

Fans in Canada are excited about the tournament but the biggest question, for now, is who will play as the right-wing in Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid's line?

NHL insider Darren Dreger suggested Mitch Marner could play on McDavid’s right wing. Dreger praised Marner as a “world-class playmaker” who can set up McDavid’s goal-scoring abilities. Dreger said (0:55):

"Mitch Marner and I like the idea of Connor McDavid being a finisher on that line, right? So why not have a world-class playmaker like Marner to get him the puck? We know that Connor can put the puck in the net when it matters most, and Marner's the right guy on the right side."

Marner has been excellent this season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has 14 goals, 46 assists and 60 points, making him one of the top players in the league. Marner is signed to a six-year, $65,408,000 contract with the Leafs, with an annual cap hit of $10.9 million.

In December's first week, after the roster announcement, Marner said he was honored to represent Canada.

"It's going to be crazy. All four teams are stacked,” Marner said, per NHL.com, “It's going to be a great tournament for a lot of people to watch and I'm sure excited and super honored that I get the privilege to do that."