The case to trade Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner emerges
As rumors continue circulating about his possible departure before hitting free agency, NHL analyst Stu Grimson became the latest name to make a case for the Toronto Maple Leafs to trade Mitch Marner.
The Maple Leafs are long overdue for another Stnaley Cup, and many fans are willing to do whatever it takes to speed up the process.
Despite being a "Core 4" member with one year before hitting free agency, Mitch Marner has been at the top of the trade rumors list in Toronto. This 27-year-old forward's name has been floated for teams across the league, including the St. Louis Blues as discussed in The Athletic.
However, another major analyst has shared his expert opinion. In a recent edition of NHL Tonight, co-host Stu Grimson expressed the need for more grit in the top line.
After examining the top six in the Florida Panthers this recent season, he concluded that though Mitch Marner is not solely responsible for their neverending drought, he could help the Maple Leafs land a massive payout.
It is no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs have been changing about everyone in their lineup just short their players at the top. Given their still meager playoffs-contending status, Grimson might just be right that it could now be time for them to bite the bullet. With a current cap hit just shy of $11 million, Marner could pull any number of players to shake up the top line.
Additionally, if Marner decides to go elsewhere upon hitting free agency next year, management would have kept him for too long with nothing to show for it.
Despite the advantages it could bring to the table, there is little indication the Maple Leafs will follow through on any Mitch Marner deals. Provided he has just one more year on his contract, we can probably expect one more season from this player in Toronto.
| POLL | ||
Will the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Mitch Marner before he hits free agency? | ||
| Yes | 115 | 33.3 % |
| No, but he will not re-sign | 85 | 24.6 % |
| No, he will re-sign | 145 | 42 % |
| List of polls | ||
