Maple Leafs to Target Superstar Winger if Mitch Marner Extension Falls Apart, per Nick Kypreos
The Toronto Maple Leafs could have a huge backup plan in place if talks with Mitch Marner fall apart, and they involve another huge potential free agent.
With the report that contract talks have hit a snag between the Toronto Maple Leafs and pending free agent Mitch Marner, the team has to have a plan in place in case he skips town.
Well according to NHL Insider Kick Kypreos, GM Brad Treliving has been looking at all of his options including potentially trading for another pending free agent but who is just as good: Mikko Rantanen.
It's a huge name to throw out there considering that Marner and Rantanen are so closely linked together, but there is a possibility that with no answer from Marner and Rantanen given the chance to play with Auston Matthews (and have another MacKinnon-esque teammate) it could be a savvy move.
But there are a lot of factors that are involved with bringing in Rantanen beyond contract talks.
Mikko Rantanen Plan B For Maple Leafs: Nick Kypreos
It would be nothing short of a bonafide blockbuster if we see Rantanen as a Marner replacement. They had their names tossed around earlier this season, but back then it seemed like a massive bit of speculation.
But fast forward and Rantanen has been traded already, and the news of him being unsure about re-signing with the Hurricanes; just like Marner in Toronto, could add some legitimacy to the proposal.
The team still runs into a bit of an issue with their internal salary cap, but if Rantanen is the game changer that he can be, and helps Toronto get into the Stanley Cup Finals then they need to just bite the bullet.
If the team is 100% guaranteed to not have Marner stuck around, and they have a chance at landing Rantanen now instead of wait for the market to open up, then make a change.
This Marner/Matthews tandem has been great no doubt, but they haven't had any real production in the playoffs; especially when it matters. But Rantanen does, and he has two Cups, and has a proven track record of being a leading playoff producer.
For their careers, they have followed a very similar path. Marner, 27, has 712 points in 633 games (212G, 500A) meanwhile Rantanen, 28, has 684 points in 627 games (288G, 396A).
Both men were selected in 2015, with Marner being fourth overall and Rantanen selected 10th.
Brad Treliving has to be a bit concerned about Mitch Marner's future, as clearly the superstar is playing hardball and wants every last penny.
So what if he makes it Carolina's problem instead, and brings in a player who can not only make an impact in the playoffs but convince him to stick around?
Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.
