Yesterday, I came across a question that talked about Mitch Marner playing for the Vegas Golden Knights. Some people were wondering where the newest winger would play.
Would he hop on a line with Eichel and create some two-way magic? What about Tomas Hertl? Would Marner feed the Prague native countless pucks in the slot?
your ideal line combinations for Marner next season?
— char✨ ⁴ | sports girlie🏎️🏒 (@hiimcharlotte_) August 18, 2025
Well, my dear friend, Char, I have my ideal line combinations for the newest Golden Knight for you! What I did was looked at which players added various strengths with the former "Core Four" member. That included if they shot a lot and whether they were physical.
In fact, some line combinations serve to bring out the best in particular players. These players struggle in certain aspects, which calls for an excellent winger to unleash those talents.
Enter Marner, who's capable of doing this and more. Let's dive in and find the newest member some incredible linemates for the 2025-26 season. Cue the line mixer!
1.) Dorofeyev-Eichel-Marner
This is the projected line for Opening Knight. Eichel and Marner are fluent puck movers who don't mind taking a shot or two. However, they're two players who didn't score enough goals in some people's eyes, combining for 55 goals last season.
Why not add the leading shooter (253 shots last season for the Golden Knights, a team-best) to the Golden Knights' top unit? That way, the group shoots the puck and gets maximum production.
2.) Barbashev-Eichel-Marner
Now, this combination gives Eichel and Marner more grit. Barbashev has 1,009 career hits to his name, adding speed and grit to the top unit. He also carries a solid shooting percentage, scoring on 17.9% of his shots with Vegas.
However, there's one minor problem. Barbashev must shoot the puck more, specifically if McCrimmon wants more shooting from the team. Last season, the Russian winger had 111 shots on goal. Marner could set up scoring opportunities for Barbashev to pounce on, unleashing his talents.
3.) Dorofeyev-Hertl-Marner
This one's a tad unorthodox because there's no Jack Eichel on Marner's line. However, this shouldn't be surprising to people considering Bruce Cassidy loves mixing his lineups up when things go awry.
Besides, the line of Dorofeyev-Hertl-Saad produced an xGoals % of 61.5%. The group played premier defense, allowing 6.2 xGoals Against. Marner's younger and faster two-way play would bolster the unit, giving more of a defensive edge.
4.) Saad-Hertl-Marner
Let's say that Dorofeyev gets the call-up to the top unit. His immaculate sniping abilities and developing game has built enough confidence in the coaching staff to give him the call-up.
Brandon Saad is a gritty veteran who battles for every puck on every play. However, he has one problem: finishing. Adding Marner to his unit will set up the perfect opportunities for Saad to flourish, helping him finally break through.