The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to explore a blockbuster trade of Mitch Marner this summer, but one insider reveals there's major fears for the Maple Leafs.
After another disappointing performance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Mitch Marner appears to be on the way out of Toronto, and only a few weeks into the off-season for the team, speculation is running rampant. While it's expected the team will pursue a deal, renowned NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman has now given insight into the situation and the thinking of the team and GM Brad Treliving.
Elliotte Friedman on the ongoing Mitch Marner situation:
«Don't be surprised if Marner's situation plays out over the next season in Toronto.»
The delicate negotiations between player and team aim for a win-win, with the Leafs seeking a beneficial trade or strategic use of cap space. Concerns include fan reactions if Marner remains unsigned and a trade based on emotions like the Kadri trade a few seasons ago, which the Leafs do not want to repeat. They fear Marner could thrive as a great player in a quieter market.
«If the contract demands on both sides are crazy, it could lead to a divorce. But on June 2nd, I'm not certain that Marner will be traded.»
«Don't be surprised if Marner's situation plays out over the next season in Toronto.»
The delicate negotiations between player and team aim for a win-win, with the Leafs seeking a beneficial trade or strategic use of cap space. Concerns include fan reactions if Marner remains unsigned and a trade based on emotions like the Kadri trade a few seasons ago, which the Leafs do not want to repeat. They fear Marner could thrive as a great player in a quieter market.
«If the contract demands on both sides are crazy, it could lead to a divorce. But on June 2nd, I'm not certain that Marner will be traded.»
There's two reasons behind the reported fear within the organization of making a move; this team want to avoid moving Marner for nothing like Nazem Kadri, but are also wary of a proposed 'win-win' deal, similar to the one that saw Brad Treliving move Matthew Tkachuk for Jonathan Huberdeau.
According to Freidman, Toronto believe Marner could thrive in a quieter market, but after years of playoff failure, they simply need to bite the bullet and move on. Sure, they won't move him for nothing, but whether a deal is made in the next month or in the middle of the season, Marner will likely be on his way out, and the return should be solid for the Maple Leafs.
Source: Hockey Patrol
| POLL | ||
3 JUIN | 205 ANSWERS Friedman gives major update on Mitch Marner trade situation in Toronto Will the Maple Leafs trade Mitch Marner before the 2024-25 season? | ||
| Yes | 105 | 51.2 % |
| No | 100 | 48.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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