During his recent media appearance, Mitch Marner expressed his desire to sign a long-term extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He becomes eligible to do so on July 1, with just one season left on his current contract, which pays him $10.9 million.
A strong playoff performance from Marner could have bolstered chances for an extension. However, he disappointed once again, contributing only a goal and an assist as the Maple Leafs were eliminated in the first round by the Boston Bruins. Adding to the disappointment was Marner’s role in allowing David Pastrnak to score the series-clinching goal, failing to mark him effectively as he scored against Ilya Samsonov.
With another disappointing playoff exit for the Maple Leafs, there’s speculation about the future of the core four players in Toronto, with signs suggesting a possible trade involving Marner. At 27 years old and with a no-movement clause, Marner would have to approve any trade, and he only has one year left on his contract. However, if he agrees, the Maple Leafs could free up cap space to strengthen other areas while also securing a significant return. Here are three potential teams where Marner could fit in.
Utah
As the NHL gears up for its inaugural season in 2024-25, both the league and Utah are eager to demonstrate the potential success of the market. Acquiring one of the league’s most talented and talked-about players could significantly bolster this endeavor.
Utah stands out among NHL teams as having relatively manageable cap space, making it feasible to accommodate a player of Marner’s caliber. Additionally, the team could benefit from enhancing its roster with more elite-level talent, despite commendable efforts in recent years to rebuild.
For Marner, a move to Utah would offer a refreshing change of scenery, transitioning from a situation where he’s faced criticism to one where he could become a fan favorite.
Vegas Golden Knights
Acquiring Marner would pose a significant challenge for the Vegas Golden Knights from a salary cap standpoint. However, general manager Kelly McCrimmon has a reputation for making seemingly impossible moves. He has a knack for acquiring top-tier talent at a rate that defies expectations, and given the team’s early playoff exit, a bold move for a player like Marner wouldn’t be surprising.
One advantage for the Golden Knights is Marner’s contract situation, with just one season remaining. This factor could help alleviate some of the cap constraints. However, in order to make room for Marner, they would likely need to part ways with a player on their roster. Shea Theodore, who also has just one year left on his contract, could be a potential candidate for a swap that benefits both teams.
Chicago Blackhawks
Similar to Utah, the Chicago Blackhawks wouldn’t face as much difficulty in creating cap space to pursue Marner. After enduring several struggling seasons, the Blackhawks are eager to step up their game, and pairing one of the league’s best offensive wingers with young phenom Connor Bedard seems like a promising strategy.
Despite a lack of talent around him, Bedard managed to tally an impressive 22 goals and 61 points in 68 games this season. Adding Marner to the mix would likely elevate Bedard’s performance even further in the 2024-25 season, leading to increased success on the ice for the Blackhawks.
If Marner and Bedard prove to be a dynamic duo, the Blackhawks could explore signing Marner to a long-term deal. However, if the pairing doesn’t work out as expected, they could allow Marner to become a free agent. As for a potential trade scenario, could Kyle Davidson capitalize on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ desperation by offering Seth Jones and his hefty contract? It’s a strategy worth considering.
Hard to Envision Marner Returning to Toronto
It’s becoming increasingly unlikely to see Marner in a Maple Leafs jersey by the 2024-25 season. While he does have control over his future with his no-movement clause, it’s hard to imagine him wanting to return to a market where he’s under intense scrutiny and pressure. A change of scenery would likely be welcomed, and there are three teams that could serve as great landing spots for him.
