Marner is considered a lock to make Canada’s roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, where he would be reunited with Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper. Cooper coached Marner during the 2017 IIHF World Championships, where Marner recorded four goals and 12 points, as Canada captured the silver medal — and it’s worth noting that fellow Maple Leafs star William Nylander won tournament MVP while leading Sweden to victory.

Cooper was asked about the differences in Marner’s game from 2017 to the present, prior to Saturday’s Lightning-Maple Leafs game.

“Probably confidence and swag,” Cooper said via Sportsnet’s Luke Fox. “He’s always had it, but you see it how he plays. You know I’m a massive Mitch Marner fan, being able to coach him in 2017. And he’s always had it in him, but I think he’s let it out a little bit more — and in a good way. You know, he’s not showing off. He does everything with a purpose. And man, it’s amazing how he thinks the game. It’s elite.”

Marner recorded two assists during the Maple Leafs’ 5-3 victory over the Lightning, playing with the confidence, swag and purpose Cooper highlighted pre-game. He’s been in tremendous form, leading the Maple Leafs through Auston Matthews’ nine-game absence through November, while providing Selke-level defence for a team that has committed to a defensive-minded structure under Craig Berube.

It’s always refreshing to get a perspective on Marner outside of the Toronto pressure cooker and it’s clear that Marner is well-respected by some of the NHL’s greatest minds. Marner and Cooper ought to be reunited formally on Wednesday when the 4 Nations roster is announced.

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