It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the start of the Stanley Cup Final, but the rumour mill is constantly churning. Teams that fell short of the final have been taking stock and assessing their path going forward. These clubs had a great season, but it’s championship or bust for a number of them. One of those clubs is the Toronto Maple Leafs. There’s been plenty of trade chatter surrounding one forward in particular. However, there may be some hesitation on a possible deal going forward. This edition of NHL rumours explores if the Leafs are having second thoughts on a possible deal involving a big-name forward.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Second Thoughts About Trading Part of Core Four
Rumour: On the latest edition of 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek explored if the Maple Leafs might hesitate on dealing Mitch Marner. They bring past experiences on why that could be happening.
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Analysis: It’s no secret that Marner has shouldered plenty of the blame for the Leafs first-round exit to the Boston Bruins. Both Marner and John Tavares have their sizeable contracts coming off the books after next season. However, many want Toronto General Manager Brad Treliving to cut bait and trade Marner.
On the contrary, both Marner and Tavares have full no-trade clauses. It seems that Marner holds all the cards when it comes to any possible trade. The former London Knights standout is looking to find the right spot if he does agree to deal. He’s also looking to score a big contract that will see him make eight figures.
Past Trade Blues
However, there may be some trepidation about making a deal on the Leafs’ end. Friedman brought up another former Toronto player that was vilified in the media and pretty much exiled out of town. That former Leaf was Nazem Kadri, who seemingly took an array of silly penalties at the worst possible time.
Kadri was shipped off to the Colorado Avalanche, but he managed to turn things around and win a title in Denver. He then scored a massive contract with the Calgary Flames in free agency.
Leafs management is worried that Marner could shake off the scapegoat horns and thrive somewhere else. There’s always a risk of a former player rising up after a trade and Marner is a talented player despite his struggles in the post-season. Dealing Marner could come back to bite the Leafs in the backside.
The spotlight for Marner will likely not shine as bright like it will in Toronto. Marner could be in line for making Treliving regret dealing him in the first place.
No Quick Resolution
This situation doesn’t seem like things will get straightened out in a timely fashion. Friedman mentioned that the rumours are likely going to drag into the next season. One wonders what the reception for Marner will be if he’s still donning a Leafs sweater. Friedman pointed out there’s a segment of the fan base that wants Marner on the next plane out of Pearson Airport.
However, both sides want to come out on top. Toronto and Treliving want to get the best return possible while Marner wants to look good coming out of any possible situation. This is a complicated matter and there’s a lot to unpack.
Treliving likely doesn’t want to lose Marner for nothing much like the New York Islanders did for Tavares. Recovering assets is an important thing for Treliving, but it seems that Marner holds the hammer in this situation. We’ve got a drama-filled summer lined up in the Six.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
