Strome, Marner go from rivals, to draft-pick pals
OHLers expected to go right after McDavid, Eichel
Mitch Marner is talking about the time Dylan Strome almost punched him.
“He came running at me like he was going to fight me,” said Marner, laughing. “I was like, ‘ What are you doing? You’re not going to fight me.’ “
“You hit our guy from behind!” said Strome.
The two look at each other and break into laughter. It is a month before the NHL Entry Draft and Strome and Marner are having a blast. Best friends who grew up playing against each other since they were nine years old, they have just returned from lunch at the NHL Draft Combine and are now telling old war stories from their minor-hockey days and pumping each others’ tires on why the each should be selected ahead of the other later this month.
It is a slightly odd scene for two prospects who are competing to be the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. But Strome and Marner, who finished one-two in Ontario Hockey League scoring, have an onice rivalry that does not extend off the ice.
“We’re proud of each other, no matter what happens,” said Strome.
“I think no matter what happens in this draft, we’re going to stay friends,” said Marner.
Ask what makes Marner so dangerous, Strome says the London Knights winger “can get three points in the first period and you’re down 3-0 before you even know it.” Marner returns the favour, describing the Erie Otters forward as the type of big, No. 1 centre that “you build a team around.”
Had you asked them the same question nine years ago, you would have received a much different answer.
“I really didn’t like him,” Strome said of Marner.
“We used to hate each other,” said Marner.
That hatred was born on the rink when both were two of the best players in the Greater Toronto Hockey League.
Growing up, each was always the star on his respective team. So when they played each other — Strome was a member of the Toronto Marlboros and Marner played for the Vaughan Kings — it became a challenge of trying to stop the other from scoring. Sometimes, it was done by whatever means were necessary.
“We used to always be the big match-up in minor hockey,” said Marner. “Even off ice, we would say ‘ hi’ to each other but it’s not like we would talk or hang out or stuff like that.”
“I didn’t really know him,” said Strome. “But I didn’t like how good he was.”
It was not until both were put on the same line at the World Under-17 tournament that they realized how much they complemented each other. While Team Ontario lost to Russia in a shootout and finished fifth overall, Strome had six goals and 11 points in five games, while Marner had six goals and nine points.
“We kind of bonded there,” said Strome, “and got on the same line and put up some decent numbers.”
“It was a special moment,” said Marner. “I think from that moment on, it’s been a good friendship.”
Though Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel are expected to be the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the June 26 draft in Florida, who comes next is anyone’s guess. Some have Strome. Some have Marner. Others have Boston College defenceman Noah Hanifin. Even dark-horse picks, like Ivan Provorov or Lawson Crouse, are getting attention.
It will likely come down to what the Arizona Coyotes, who hold the No. 3 pick, are looking for in a player.
Strome, who is ranked fourth-overall amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, is a 6-foot-3 centre who led the OHL with 129 points; Marner, ranked sixth overall, is a 5-foot-11 winger who finished second with 126 points.
“They’re two completely different players,” said TSN director of scouting Craig Button, who has Strome ranked third and Marner ranked fourth. “You want to make a case for Marner over Strome? Fine. I’m not going to split hairs on those two guys.”
Strome and Marner have interviews lined up with almost every team this week. Their big one is on Wednesday with the Coyotes. Then again, the Toronto Maple Leafs are picking fourth.
“His big one’s Arizona,” Marner said of Strome. “And mine’s Toronto.”
They’re two completely different players