NHL analyst makes major prediction on the haul Toronto will get for Mitch Marner

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Tom Banks
August 3, 2024 (1:57 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs haven't been shy about acknowledging the trade interest in Mitch Marner, and now one analyst has revealed how big a trade may be.

After weeks of speculation, we are no closer to a Mitch Marner trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but that doesn't mean they won't look to move him ahead of the 2024/25 season. It's been some time since reports of interest have emerged, but right now things are up in the air, with NHL analyst Stu Grimson of the NHL Network revealing that if they do look to trade him, they may follow the Florida Panthers model with Matthew Tkachuk.

"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 factor in 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...

That's not all however, as Grimson reveals the return could look similar to the Jonathan Huberdeau deal with Matthew Tkachuk, with the return of an NHLer, preferably of the gritty type, as well as a combination of several picks and prospects.

It'll be a haul. I got to believe there'll be a solid, established impact NHL player as part of the mix and perhaps a mix of picks and prospects... But it should be a rich return without question."

After another productive season of 85 points in just 69 games played, it's clear that Marner is still getting better at the NHL level, but with an $11 million cap hit, there's plenty of issues with moving him. Add to that the no-trade clause, a deal will certainly take some time, but with training camp approaching, a decision will need to be made soon, so keep an eye on this one moving forward.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Expected trade return for Mitch Marner now known, thanks to NHL analyst