Elliotte Friedman Finally Clarifies Shocking Mitch Marner/Mikko Rantanen Trade Deadline Situation
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman revealed the full context of the Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen trade rumors that exploded during Friday's trade deadline day.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs look toward the Stanley Cup Playoffs now that the NHL Trade Deadline is past them, they will no doubt have one sole focus now which is winning the big one. They added some key pieces, so with a new roster a whole lotta luck; the team can make a push.
But even though the deadline is a success, it could have been wildly different had things gone differently.
It was reported that Carolina was kicking the tires on acquiring Mitch Marner for Mikko Rantanen; a stunning deal that would have changed the landscape of the NHL.
Things fell through however, and NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman has clarified the reason why.
During the Saturday's Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada, he talked about Toronto having a potential deal with the Hurricanes; but it was all dependent on Marner himself.
Marner was not willing to waive his trade clause because he wants to remain with the Maple Leafs.
Would this trade had made Toronto better or worse?
Mitch For Mikko: Would Toronto Have Gotten Better?
It's hard to say. While there's no doubt adding a player the caliber of Rantanen would make the Maple Leafs a powerhouse, is it worth disrupting a lot of the heart and soul of the team for the sake of winning?
While yes, it would be great if Toronto would win, but if they are going to, they want, and potentially need Marner in order to do it.
In the middle of a career year, Marner has been lights out with 79 points in 62 games (21G, 58A) and is on pace for his first 100-point season.
But he's also carried the team during some of their darkest times this season, and with Toronto already discarding one locker room leader for trade purposes, getting rid of Marner and throwing off the chemistry and morale in and out of the locker room is a tough pill to swallow (just ask Brady Tkachuk).
Plus, Marner wanting to stay a Maple Leaf is a positive sign for the Maple Leafs, as they can hopefully try and convince Marner that taking a $13M AAV is worth it, and is still going to be more than Rantanen; and probably the biggest deal on the market.
Though there is a possibility he skips town, and his playoff performance will make or break a lot of things.
But for now, Mitch Marner stays in Toronto with a chance to win and Mikko Rantanen does the same with Dallas. Much like always, the two are going down similar paths.
It's just looking like Marner is taking a little longer to reach Rantanen's level.
