Penguins Update: Is John Marino the New Matt Murray?

 

During John Marino’s stellar rookie season in 2019-20, the trade that brought the young defenseman to the ‘Burgh from Edmonton for a sixth-round pick was being hailed as the steal of the century in these parts.

Preternaturally cool and poised and blessed with excellent mobility and hockey sense, Marino impressed with his outstanding gap control and overall play. In 56 games the 6’2” 181-pounder tallied six goals and 26 points to go with a plus-17. He was on the ice for 44 goals 5v5 and only 34 against.

It appeared the sky was the limit for the then 22-year-old. Observers around the league thought so, too. The North Easton, Massachusetts, native finished eighth among a talented crop of rookies in the Calder Trophy voting.

Eager to reward his prized young blueliner, ex-GM Jim Rutherford inked Marino to a six-year extension on January 3, 2021, worth $4.4 million annually.

Now, a scant two seasons later? Marino’s career arc seems to be tracing that of former goalie Matt Murray, who burst onto the scene to backstop the black-and-gold to back-to-back Stanley Cups, only to fade.

Having handled a heavy workload as a rookie (20:15 ATOI) with remarkable aplomb, coach Mike Sullivan leaned on Marino heavily when injuries decimated the Pens’ defensive corps at the outset of the 2020-21 season.

Perhaps too heavily. Following a quick start to the campaign (a goal and four points in his first four games to go with a plus-six), Sullivan used Marino on his off side…with disastrous results. Over a particularly onerous nine-game stretch the former Harvard Crimson rearguard logged a horrendous minus-13.

He likewise struggled when paired with unpredictable Mike Matheson.

Marino’s game didn’t turn around until his workload decreased and he was returned to his natural (right) side next to favored partner Marcus Pettersson. His offensive numbers nosedived to half his rookie-season totals (three goals and 13 points) in roughly the same number of games. His hits and blocked shots plummeted as well. To be fair, so did his giveaways (a very responsible 21).

Despite what appeared to be a disappointing sophomore season, some of his underlying metrics were still solid, including a 71 even strength defensive WAR and a 67 WAR overall. There were hopes Marino would rebound with a strong season in 2021-22.

Unfortunately, it hasn’t quite worked out that way. He’s been on the ice for more 5v5 goals against than for (46-44) and he’s one of a handful of Pens with a negative plus-minus (minus-one). While he’s registered a career-best 23 assists, he’s managed just one goal. This from a player who at one time was thought to be a potential replacement for Kris Letang.

Worse yet, Marino doesn’t seem to be able to play with anyone other than Pettersson. At least not effectively, anyway.

I’m not sure what’s gone wrong. Perhaps the youngster feels pressure to help drive the offense and produce, which may have taken him out of his comfort zone. He seems to be more at ease with a defense-first-and-let-the-offense-come approach. Yet to my eye Marino looks a bit tentative and unsure in the defensive zone as well, especially on plays around the net. And, as much as I hate to say it, a bit lackadaisical at times and even passive.

I’m equally as unsure about what to do to restore his previous luster. Re-teaming him with Pettersson should help in the short run. But longer term?

While you hate to give up on a player with his attributes, perhaps a change of scenery is in order. With Rutherford running the show in Vancouver and GM Ron Hextall no doubt looking to carve out cap space, it’ll be interesting to see what transpires this summer.

In the meantime, let’s hope Marino doesn’t follow in Murray’s footsteps.