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Maple Leafs’ Core Four and What to Make of Their Hockey IQ
The Toronto Maple Leafs Core Four are scorers. But are they given enough credit for their intelligence? What makes their hockey IQ high?
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ Core Four players, John Tavares, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner, are not just elite scorers. Together they are four players who, game after game, show a high hockey IQ. They have a collective ability to read the game, make split-second decisions, and make decisions at a high speed on the ice. These abilities show how their hockey IQ sets them apart and makes the team better.
Looking at the Maple Leafs Core Four’s Hockey IQ
Here’s a breakdown of their contributions to the Leafs, highlighting their high hockey IQ:
Table: The Core Four’s Hockey IQ Metrics
Player | Vision and Playmaking | Defensive Awareness | Adaptability and Creativity | Seamless transition between offense and defense |
---|---|---|---|---|
John Tavares | Exceptional at finding soft spots in coverage and setting up high-danger plays | Effective in faceoffs and positional defense | Master of adjusting to line changes and roles | Exceptional faceoff win rate in key situations (season after season) |
Auston Matthews | Expert at creating scoring opportunities through small-area plays | Outstanding stick placement and takeaway ability | Adapts to defensive schemes with quick puck decisions | An NHL leader in takeaways (50+) season after season |
William Nylander | Excellent backchecking and breaking up plays from behind. | Reads the play to get open and start counterattacks | Creative puck carrier who thrives under pressure | Top 10 in zone entry success |
Mitch Marner | On-ice vision and passer who anticipates plays before they develop | Excellent penalty-killer | Highly versatile, thrives on both Power Play and the PK | Top five in assists and penalty-killing goals |
The Maple Leafs Core Four Shows Their High Hockey IQ in Action
The Maple Leafs Core Four is not given as much credit as they deserve for how their high Hockey IQ translates to the team’s success. Yet, this intelligence is evident in their on-ice skills and contributions. As four of the team’s key players, they demonstrate their impact on the Maple Leafs’ success in almost every game.
How Does John Tavares Show His Hockey IQ?
Tavares shows his high hockey IQ in several ways. First, he has great positional awareness and understands game dynamics. Second, his faceoff dominance is based on anticipating what his opponent might do in the circle. He’s been able to give his team crucial possession in tight games and key moments. Finally, his scoring chances often come because he’s so skilled at anticipating and finding open spaces.
How Does Auston Matthews Show His Hockey IQ?
Matthews shows his high hockey IQ in several ways. First, he has an elite scoring touch and is known for his ability to score in high-pressure situations. Second, game in and game out, he shows his defensive awareness. He’s learned to take advantage of his superior skill in puck retrieval. Finally, Matthews is a dual threat. He’s as effective on offense as he is on defense. He also transitions seamlessly between the two sides of the game. This on-ice intelligence has made him a crucial asset in an array of game situations.
How Does William Nylander Show His Hockey IQ?
Nylander shows his high hockey IQ in several ways. First, he has excellent puck-carrying ability. This skill is one part practice and a second part the ability to see the ice and anticipate cracks in the opposition’s defense. Nylander excels in navigating through the neutral zone. His timing and adaptability are evident in how he understands where to go. He also has great timing during line changes and his clutch performance can be off the charts. His proven success in critical moments isn’t just luck.
How Does Mitch Marner Show His Hockey IQ?
Marner shows his high hockey IQ in several ways. In fact, he might be the most obvious candidate in the Maple Leafs Core Four for his intelligence. His on-ice anticipation and vision allow him to make intricate passes that lead to scoring chances. Second, his special teams impact – both on the power plays and on the penalty kill – is made possible by his vision and his ability to see things/possibilities before they actually happen. Like Nylander, Marner’s strategic playmaking is no accident. He’s one sharp cookie on the ice.

The Bottom Line for the Maple Leafs’ Core Four
The Maple Leafs Core Four consistently ranks among the top scorers in the league. What makes them so special is that they bring a diverse set of skills. However, while each player brings unique strengths, they work together to enhance the team’s overall performance.
Where does their hockey intelligence and IQ fit into all this? Their exceptional hockey IQ allows them to consistently engage in innovative strategies on the ice. Beyond carrying the team’s offense, they contribute to its defense. By doing so, they show a comprehensive understanding of the game.
Related: Maple Leafs’ Morgan Rielly Changing His Priority This Season
