Leafs' trade strategy for Mitch Marner: Seeking grit in return
As the NHL offseason unfolds, speculation around Mitch Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs continues to escalate.
Stu Grimson, a former NHL player and now an analyst for the NHL Network, has shed light on what the Leafs might expect in return if they decide to trade the 27-year-old forward.
Grimson, known for his sharp analysis, pointed out the Maple Leafs' need to bolster their top-six with more grit and toughness. This sentiment was particularly evident during the Leafs' struggles in the playoff series against the Florida Panthers, where the physical presence of players like Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett proved challenging for Toronto.
«This group needs a little more sandpaper. They need more grit where their top-six is concerned. You look at that list of candidates in their top-six and I go back to the Florida series. The trouble that club had with Tkachuk and Bennett. Both players who factor in the top six for the Florida Panthers. I know the Leafs covet that kind of gritty presence as part of your top six, who can also generate top-end offensive numbers...», Grimson remarked.
«It'll be a haul. I got to believe there'll be a solid, established impact NHL player as part of the mix and perhaps a mix of picks and prospects. ... But it should be a rich return without question.»
Marner, who is approaching the final year of his six-year contract, is at a crossroads. The general expectation is that he might play out his contract rather than extending or approving a trade. Nonetheless, the Leafs have not offered an extension, which might suggest an internal shift towards exploring trade options, especially given Marner's no-movement clause. This puts both the player and the organization in a position to make significant decisions soon.
In response to their needs, the Leafs had previously acquired Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi to add the necessary toughness to their lineup. However, with Bertuzzi's recent move to Chicago, a spot has opened up, underscoring the ongoing challenge to find the right mix of skill and physicality in their forward group. Finding such players is notoriously difficult, as evidenced by the rarity of trades involving high-caliber, gritty forwards like those seen in the Tkachuk deal.
As it stands, Marner is likely to return to the Leafs for the upcoming season, unless a trade scenario that benefits both him and the team can be orchestrated. The entire situation hangs on the delicate balance of Marner's willingness to move and the Leafs' ability to secure a return that aligns with their strategic goals.
The unfolding drama of Marner's potential trade will be a key storyline to watch as the NHL season approaches, with implications not just for the Leafs but for the broader market dynamics in the league.
Source: MAPLELEAFSDAILY
Expected trade return for Mitch Marner now known, thanks to NHL analyst
| POLL | ||
What is Marner's destination next season? | ||
| Toronto | 7 | 28 % |
| Other team | 18 | 72 % |
| List of polls | ||
