The Ontario Hockey League announced Tuesday that Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Mitch Marner of the London Knights is the 2015-16 recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy, awarded to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year.
Marner, drafted fourth overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2015 NHL entry draft, finished third in OHL scoring with 116 points in 57 games—eclipsing the century mark for the second straight season. He ended the regular season with 39 goals and 77 assists.
“It’s a big award and an honour, but it wouldn’t have happened without my teammates,” Marner said in a press release. “Building upon the three years with the whole coaching staff and without the guys on the team this wouldn’t have happened. It’s a great award, but we still have a way to go.”
Marner and linemates Christian Dvorak and Matthew Tkachuk combined for a ridiculous 344 points (111 goals) this season as the Knights led the league with 319 goals for and finished second in the OHL with 51 wins and 105 points.
Marner is the sixth Knight to win the award in a list that includes goaltender Michael Houser (2012), Corey Perry (2005), Jason Allison (1994), Dave Simpson (1982), and Dennis Maruk (1975).
Following their sweep of the Erie Otters last week in the Western Conference Finals, Marner and the Knights will take on the Niagara Icedogs on Thursday at Budweiser Gardens for the J. Ross Roberston Cup.
Puck drop for Game 1 is set for 7 p.m. ET.
