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MAPLE LEAFS’ MARNER NAMED NHL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY

Toronto Maple Leafs center Mitchell Marner, who led all rookies with 11 assists and 15 points in 13 games, has been named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for January.

Marner edged Carolina Hurricanes right wing Sebastian Aho (8-2—10 in 13 GP), Detroit Red Wings right wing Anthony Mantha (4-6—10 in 14 GP) and Winnipeg Jets right wing Patrik Laine (4-6—10 in 6 GP) for the honor.

Marner, who also paced all rookies with eight power-play points (0-8—8), registered at least one point in nine of his 13 January appearances, highlighted by five multi-point efforts. That included three assists/points Jan. 7 vs. MTL, matching career highs in both categories.

The fourth overall selection in the 2015 NHL Draft, Marner ranks in the top five among rookies in assists (1st; 29), points (2nd; 41) and goals (t-4th; 12) in 48 games this season. The 19-year-old Markham, Ont., native also places among the rookie leaders in power-play assists (t-1st; 13), game-winning goals (t-2nd; 4), shots on goal (t-2nd; 122) and power-play points (3rd; 14).

Marner joins teammates William Nylander (October) and Auston Matthews (December) as Rookie of the Month winners this season, making the Maple Leafs the first NHL team with three different Rookie of the Month honorees in one campaign.

* Information provided via NHL Press Release