Friendship Goals: Maple Leafs Forwards Form Unlikely Friendship

(Twitter/@Marner93)

Aside from both players carrying the initials M.M, on the surface it appears there is very little that Matt Martin and Mitchell Marner have in common. A near decade age difference coupled with a drastically difference in style of play makes it very peculiar as to how these two have become such close friends. Despite the fact that the two appear to be polar opposites, Mitchell Marner and Matt Martin have forged one of the most popular friendships in the National Hockey League.

Many young and talented offensive players would sulk at the arrival of a demotion from the second line to the fourth, but Mitch Marner has taken a very different approach.

"Just try to stay positive," Maple Leafs sophomore Marner said. "It's always fun going out on the ice, playing for this crest, playing with this team, playing for these fans, you just have to stay light on yourself and have fun out on the ice."

The open-minded approach by Marner has helped endear him into a positive situation, while simultaneously creating a great friendship with Matt Martin.

"He's a guy I have been with since day one. He's a guy who has really taken me under his wing and taken care of me." While Martin has been a great mentor, or as Marner would say "Dad or older brother." The relationship has certainly been mutually beneficial.

On a team that has an abundance of youthful offensive talent, Matt Martin has carved out an important role on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Playing on the fourth line of a loaded offensive team has given Martin the opportunity to play with some of the best fourth liners in the NHL today, but maybe none better than Mitch Marner.

"I haven't played with a player quite that dynamic with making plays in a long time," Martin said about his newest linemate. "He's a really special player and he can make plays, so you want to get him the puck as much as possible." Martin's formula of giving Marner the puck has paid dividends for both as Matt Martin was able to score his first goal of the season Monday night on the heels of a great effort by Marner.

During the hardships that can occur as a young player tries to find his way in the National Hockey League, Mitch Marner has stayed positive through it all. After a slow start and a demotion to the fourth line, Marner has not pouted or lost confidence. He has embraced playing on the fourth line, and in turn has found himself a new friend, Matt Martin. The unlikely tandem has helped each other both on and off the ice, while all admire the friendship they have established.