Discussion on trading Mitch Marner from the Maple Leafs surfaces

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Gabriel Sami
August 3, 2024 (9:02)

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NHL analyst Stu Grimson is the latest to suggest the Toronto Maple Leafs should consider trading Mitch Marner amid growing speculation about his departure before free agency.

The Maple Leafs are overdue for another Stanley Cup, and many fans are eager to expedite the process.

Despite being a "Core 4" player with just one year left before free agency, Mitch Marner remains a prominent name in trade speculation in Toronto. This 27-year-old forward has been linked with various teams across the league, including the St. Louis Blues, as mentioned in The Athletic.

"Are Blues and Mitch Marner a trade match? Breaking down the fit, asset cost and other factors"

Recently, analyst Stu Grimson added his perspective on NHL Tonight, suggesting that the top line could benefit from more grit.

Grimson analyzed the Florida Panthers' top six from the recent season and concluded that while Marner isn't solely to blame for their ongoing drought, trading him could yield significant returns for the Maple Leafs.

"This group needs a little more sandpaper, they need more grit where their top six is concerned. You look at that list of candidates in their top six. And I go back to the Florida series, the trouble that club had with Tkachuk and Bennett, both players who, you know, factor into the top six for the Florida Panthers. I know the Leafs covet that kind of gritty presence as part of your top six, who can also generate top-end offensive numbers.

So, it may be� and please Leaf fans, don't hear me saying that Marner is the reason the Leafs have been unable to capture the Stanley Cup� but he is that one piece that may bring the added necessity as management perceives it back to the mix to get them over the hump."

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been tinkering with their lineup, leaving their top players relatively untouched. Given their modest playoff status, Grimson's suggestion that it might be time for a bold move could be worth considering. With Marner's cap hit nearing $11 million, trading him could potentially shake up the top line significantly.

Additionally, if Marner opts for free agency next year, the team might end up losing him without any return.

Despite these potential benefits, there is little sign that the Maple Leafs are poised to act on any Marner trade discussions. Given that he has only one year remaining on his contract, it's likely that he will spend at least one more season in Toronto.

Source: Hockey Patrol
The case to trade Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner emerges

Source: Yardbarker
Analyst makes case for Maple Leafs to trade superstar forward Mitch Marner

POLL
AOUT 3 \| 109 ANSWERS Discussion on trading Mitch Marner from the Maple Leafs surfaces Will the Toronto Maple Leafs deal Mitch Marner before he becomes a free agent?
Yes	51	46.8 %
No	58	53.2 %
List of polls