Toronto Maple Leafs are racing against time to resolve their options regarding the future of star winger Mitch Marner. While Auston Matthews is expected to lead the team into the next NHL season, the Canadian franchise is exploring different paths.
Letting time run out until July 1—when Marner becomes a free agent—doesn’t seem ideal. For the Maple Leafs, attempting to get something in return for their star’s departure could be more beneficial. However, not all options are feasible.
Other franchises might simply wait and negotiate directly with Marner, or give something up now to secure the Maple Leafs forward. The reality is that for Matthews’ longtime linemate, all possibilities remain open, and Toronto is also trying to develop a strategy that includes a potential move.
The trade being considered by the Maple Leafs for Marner
According to NHL insider Joe Yerdon from Bleacher Report, the Maple Leafs are considering a blockbuster trade as an alternative to potentially losing Mitch Marner. The Canadian team has explored various options to strengthen its roster, including talks with the Dallas Stars regarding Jason Robertson.
Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars
The issue with trading Marner for Robertson lies in Toronto’s limited draft picks and top-tier prospects, something that could clearly complicate the deal. The Stars, however, have not shown significant interest in acquiring the Maple Leafs forward.
see also
NHL News: Mitch Marner draws interest from new team making a bold bid to take him from the Maple Leafs
Toronto already tried to trade Marner in the past
The Maple Leafs had previously come close to completing a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes, offering Marner in exchange for Mikko Rantanen. However, Marner himself blocked the deal by invoking his no-movement clause, ultimately preventing the transaction.
