NHL insider proposes shocking trade option for Leafs superstar Mitch Marner
Former NHL forward Anson Carter believes he has discovered a creative solution regarding Mitch Marner's future with the team.
Carter's solution? Trade Marner this season. Where he has Marner going and who is coming back may come as a shock to most fans though.
The former NHL winger proposed that the Leafs should send Marner to the Colorado Avalanche in a one-for-one trade for Mikko Rantanen.
"Hear me out. Marner is not making more than Nathan MacKinnon, if there's an internal cap on MacKinnon, if that's what's holding up his deal; bring Marner into Colorado, and Rantanen heads to Toronto 'cause theoretically you can pay Rantanen more than you do Auston Matthews." -Anson Carter
It is certainly an intriguing idea and one that could very well happen as both wingers are heading towards free agency this summer.
Furthermore, Rantanen is a proven playoff performer while Marner, needless to say, has struggled.
Perhaps that would not be too much of a consideration for the Avs though as they could very well be confident putting Marner alongside Nathan MacKinnon.
Furthermore, Marner may end up being more affordable than Rantanen, as NHL insider Pierre LeBrun recently revealed that the Finnish forward is looking for a deal in the 14 million dollars a season range.
Considering how tight the Avs cap situation is, saving a couple of million dollars by replacing Mikko with Marner could be a great idea.
Additionally, while Rantanen is a huge part of the Avalanche team, their core revolves around MacKinnon and Makar. Just about everyone else is replaceable other than those two guys.
With that being said, Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland may not be so quick to move Rantanen, even if extension talks get tough.
After all, Mikko has been on a tear this season, putting up 15 goals and 34 points in 25 games so far this season. That puts him on pace for a career year.
That might actually be a cautionary tale for Toronto though. Players often perform at their best when their contracts are expiring.
As such, the team should not expect him to score at that rate going forward if they do bring him in, which could lead to disappointment if he does become the highest-paid player on the team.
Regardless of what happens, it should be an eventful summer for both Rantanen and Marner, so be sure to stay tuned to see how their contract negotiations unfold.
| POLL | ||
How do you think would win a theoretical trade between the Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs swapping Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen? | ||
| Both win | 22 | 19.5 % |
| Both lose | 25 | 22.1 % |
| Toronto wins | 27 | 23.9 % |
| Colorado wins | 39 | 34.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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