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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

PlayerVision and PlaymakingDefensive AwarenessAdaptability and CreativitySeamless transition between offense and defense
John TavaresExceptional at finding soft spots in coverage and setting up high-danger playsEffective in faceoffs and positional defenseMaster of adjusting to line changes and rolesExceptional faceoff win rate in key situations (season after season)
Auston MatthewsExpert at creating scoring opportunities through small-area playsOutstanding stick placement and takeaway abilityAdapts to defensive schemes with quick puck decisionsAn NHL leader in takeaways (50+) season after season
William NylanderExcellent backchecking and breaking up plays from behind.Reads the play to get open and start counterattacksCreative puck carrier who thrives under pressureTop 10 in zone entry success
Mitch MarnerOn-ice vision and passer who anticipates plays before they developExcellent penalty-killerHighly versatile, thrives on both Power Play and the PKTop 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.

Mitch Marner interview Maple Leafs
Mitch Marner of the Maple Leafs is highly intelligent.

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

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