Mitch Marner is just days away from becoming a free agent after the contract he signed in 2019 with the Toronto Maple Leafs is not on track to be extended. The situation has attracted the interest of multiple NHL franchises and at the same time opens the door to a possible trade, in this case, involving a star from the Nashville Predators.
Auston Matthews will be the star leading the Maple Leafs in their pursuit of a deep playoff run next season, but it’s almost certain he’ll do so without Marner by his side. Toronto’s rebuild comes with significant changes, and the names are starting to circulate.
Among the many possible outcomes for Marner’s future, there’s one notable condition, the 28-year-old forward reportedly does not want to sign with any Canadian franchise. With that in mind, Toronto is eyeing Nashville as a potential trade partner in pursuit of one of their top forwards.
The major trade the Maple Leafs might be considering
According to NHL insider Lyle Richardson from Bleacher Report, the Predators‘ All-Star player the Maple Leafs could be targeting in a potential trade for Marner is none other than veteran Jonathan Marchessault.
It’s rumored that Nashville is considering trading Marchessault after a disappointing year with the franchise, which makes Toronto a potential landing spot. The biggest concern is Marner’s no-trade clause, which could derail a possible deal between both sides. Additionally, there’s a lack of quality draft picks and prospects that the Maple Leafs could offer the Predators.
Marchessault’s performance in the 2024–25 NHL season
In his first year with Nashville, the veteran former All-Star forward recorded a season with 21 goals and 35 points for the Predators across 78 games. It’s a lower tally compared to the 27 goals scored by Marner for the Maple Leafs, but Toronto might bet on Marchessault regaining his form to begin compensating for the loss of their star.