In almost any other season, John Marino would have been a serious contender -- perhaps even a favorite -- for a spot on the NHL's all-rookie team.
He probably would have gotten significant support in the Calder Trophy voting as the league's best rookie, too.
Might even have won the thing.
But Marino just happened to make his pro debut during the 2019-20 season, when the NHL was all but overrun by exceptional first-year defensemen.
So never mind that he has been outstanding during his initial season -- which may or may not be over at this point -- with the Penguins, working his way onto the No.