Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner: Odds to start season with Leafs improving

Marner's chances to earn an Opening Night start on the Leafs' roster improved Thursday when Joffrey Lupul failed his physical.

Analysis:

Lupul will start the season on injured reserve, leaving a spot on the wing up for grabs. Marner's monster OHL season from last year makes him an obvious choice for the role, but it remains to be seen how many young players the team will carry. Marner's options for 2016-17 are limited -- it's the NHL or back to juniors. He isn't eligible for AHL duty and the game growth that would come from playing minor pro.