Mason Marchment already has little trouble standing out.
The tallest forward (6-foot-4) on the Maple Leafs rookie tournament roster also flashed with his physical play on Friday against the Canadiens.
He just wanted to use his size to his advantage.
“(I was) just trying to use my body to set the tone,” Marchment said, after the Leafs’ practice on Saturday. “I’m a big guy, so I just wanted to use that to be physical and play my game.”
Marchment made a number of physical and aggressive plays despite his team’s 5-2 loss. The Uxbridge, Ont. native’s biggest came in the opening period when he levelled Canadiens’ winger Jeremiah Addison in open ice.
Jeremiah Addison gets rocked by Mason Marchment in the neutral zone pic.twitter.com/PxzJjsXmXb
— Scott Matla (@scottmatla) September 8, 2017
Physicality is something Marchment was keen on improving this week. Touted as more of an offensive forward, he wanted to make sure he displayed all aspects of his game.
“I just want to keep getting faster, and definitely stronger (this week),” said Marchment. “There’s obviously a lot I need to work on, but I feel like I’m improving and getting stronger here as we go on. It’s great for my game.”
The left winger spent most of last season with the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, collecting 14 goals and 20 points in 35 games. He also accumulated five points in seven playoff matches.
The son of former NHL defenceman Bryan Marchment, Mason signed with the Toronto Marlies in April of 2016 before being sent to Orlando, playing in 12 games with the team over the last two seasons.
This week, the 22-year-old intends to prioritize daily improvement and studying in order to stick on the American Hockey League roster.
“It’s just more about developing this week,” Marchment said. “There’s a lot of young guys learning new things. We’re just trying to learn the system and work off each other to ensure that we’ll be better the next time out.”
Mason Marchment working on tip drills at #Leafs practice #LeafsRookieTournament #TorontoObserver pic.twitter.com/7nYymqNuqi
— Mike Alessandrini (@AFootballMike) September 9, 2017
Marchment’s final chance to impress his coaching staff will come on Sunday afternoon when the Maple Leafs’ rookies face off against the Ottawa Senators. He will then await his fate before training camp later this month.
With his tall stature and improved toughness, he may find standing out easier than most.