Mitch Marner said to the media yesterday that he wants to sign a long-term agreement with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is entitled to do so as of July 1, with just one season left on his current contract, which pays him $10.9 million.
If Marner had a strong postseason performance, he was expected to get an extension. However, he failed once again, scoring just one goal and adding an assist in the Maple Leafs’ first-round loss to the Boston Bruins. To make things worse, he was one of a few players culpable for David Pastrnak’s series-winning goal, failing to remain with the Bruins winger as he went in alone and past Ilya Samsonov.
With the Maple Leafs exiting the playoffs in heartbreaking manner once again, there has been a lot of talk about the core four in Toronto, with indicators pointing to a Marner trade. Given his no-movement clause and the fact that his contract is just for one year, the 27-year-old would have to accept any deal offered to him. However, if he accepts, the Maple Leafs will not only free up some salary space for other areas of improvement, but they will also get a sizable return. Here are three clubs that might be good fits.
Utah
The NHL and Utah are trying to establish that the market will be successful when it enters its inaugural season in 2024-25. What better way to assist that happen than by acquiring one of the league’s most skilled and well-known players?
Utah is one of the few NHL clubs that shouldn’t have any trouble making this work from a cap standpoint. Furthermore, they could undoubtedly benefit from additional talent on their roster, since they lack elite-level quality despite doing a fantastic job of rebuilding in recent years. For Marner, it would be a change of scenery, transitioning from the whipping boy to a popular favorite.
Vegas Golden Knights
There is no simple way for the Vegas Golden Knights to acquire Marner from a cap standpoint, but general manager Kelly McCrimmon seems to be able to pull off magic year after year. He also enjoys acquiring top-tier star players at exorbitant prices, and after an early playoff loss, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him take a major swing at a player like Marner.
What works nicely for the Golden Knights is that, although obtaining Marner would be challenging, the fact that he just has one season left on his deal makes things easier. To make that work, he’d have to let go of someone on his roster. With Shea Theodore having just one year left on his contract, a transfer may suit both parties.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks, like Utah, would have no issue creating financial space for Marner if they were to pursue him. After floundering for many seasons, the Blackhawks will want to start stepping things up, and what better way than to combine one of the game’s top scoring wingers with budding prodigy Connor Bedard?
Despite the lack of quality surrounding him, Bedard managed to score 22 goals and 61 points in 68 games this season. Adding Marner would increase his totals in 2024-25 and help him win more games. If the combo works well together, the Blackhawks may be able to contract Marner on a long-term basis. If not, they can let him go to free agency. As for a trade possibility, might Kyle Davidson take advantage of the Maple Leafs’ desperate situation and have them take back Seth Jones and his huge contract? It’s definitely worth looking into.
Hard to see Marner returning to Toronto.
While not impossible, it is unlikely that Marner will wear a Maple Leafs jersey by the 2024-25 season. He has control over his own destiny thanks to his no-movement clause, but does he really want to return to a hockey-crazed market that wants him gone? He’d probably enjoy a change of scenery, and any of these three teams would be ideal for him.
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