The Toronto Maple Leafs have wrapped up their season, and as the offseason looms, attention turns to the team’s next moves, particularly regarding Mitch Marner. Marner, often a lightning rod for criticism among Maple Leafs fans, finds himself at the center of trade speculation. With talk of shaking up the team’s core, Marner emerges as a prime candidate for a potential move, given the contractual situations of his fellow “Core Four” teammates.
John Tavares boasts an immovable contract, while William Nylander and Auston Matthews recently inked extensions, leaving Marner as the most viable option for a trade.
Should general manager Brad Treliving opt for a trade, he must do so judiciously, aiming to secure either a top-tier defenseman or promising prospects who can bolster the lineup while freeing up cap space. Here are three trade scenarios that could be explored:
- Columbus Blue Jackets Trade:
- To Columbus: Mitch Marner
- To Toronto: Adam Fantilli and David Jiricek
The Columbus Blue Jackets have long shown interest in Marner, even reportedly extending offer sheets during his restricted free agency period in 2019. While Marner holds a full no-movement clause, speculation suggests mutual interest between him and the Blue Jackets, given their prior pursuit.
Treliving could target two promising players in return:
- Adam Fantilli, the third overall pick in the recent NHL Entry Draft, exhibited promise in his rookie season before a calf injury cut it short. Hailing from Nobleton, Ontario, Fantilli offers the Leafs potential elite talent on an entry-level contract.
- David Jiricek, a 6’4″ defenseman drafted sixth overall in 2022, presents another enticing prospect. Despite bouncing between the NHL and AHL this season, Jiricek showcased his potential as a top-four defenseman, with the capacity to evolve into a top-pairing blue liner.
Securing recent high draft picks like Fantilli and Jiricek might require enticing offers from the Maple Leafs, such as timing the trade to coincide with Marner’s bonus payout on July 1, minimizing the financial burden on the acquiring team.
Each trade scenario presents its own set of challenges and potential benefits for the Maple Leafs. As the offseason progresses, Treliving and the management team will carefully weigh their options to determine the best course of action regarding Mitch Marner and the future of the team.
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