Toronto Maple Leafs player Mitch Marner has been the target of trade rumors all summer, and they are unlikely to stop anytime soon.
The website PuckPedia includes a new tool called PuckGM that allows users to create their own deals, and it has been widely used. Some users make ridiculous trades, while others complete more realistic agreements that benefit both clubs.
One user proposed a trade that would send Mitch Marner to the New York Rangers for former first-round pick Alexis Lafreniere, among other things.
Maple Leafs Get:
- Alexis Lafreniere
- Jacob Trouba
Rangers Get:
- Mitch Marner
- Timothy Liljegren
The transaction would be a blockbuster, and on paper, it makes sense. Marner is better right now than Lafreniere, who is also unsigned, thus the Rangers, who are in the Cup window, would gain an impact player to complement Artemi Panarin. New York gets out of Jacob Trouba’s contract, something they had hoped to do, while adding a younger defenseman in Timothy Liljegren.
Toronto gains a strong defenseman with Trouba to bolster their D-core and adds Lafreniere, who was picked first overall in 2020. Although he is unsigned, he is an RFA, so the Maple Leafs would retain his rights and could sign him for far less than Marner’s salary.
However, at this time, it appears that both Marner and Trouba will continue with their respective organizations.
Marner Wants to Stay with the Maple Leafs
Marner was born and bred in Toronto, therefore he plays for his hometown team in the NHL.
Marner, who plays for his hometown team, has made it obvious that he wants to stay with the Maple Leafs, despite the fact that he is in the final year of his contract.
“That would be the goal. I’ve proclaimed my affection for this location, this city. Obviously, I have grown up here. We’ll think about it now and attempt to figure something out… “It means everything to me,” Marner told the journalists on May 6.
“To be honest, we’re treated like Gods here, which you greatly enjoy. The affection and attention you receive from this fan base are unlike any other. You saw with the (NBA’s Toronto) Raptors a couple of years ago how much supporters still care for a lot of those players (who helped them win a title in 2019) that they had to deal off this year. “That’s the love you seek,” Marner concluded.
Marner scored 26 goals and 59 assists for 85 points in 69 games with Toronto last season.
Trouba Likely to Remain With Rangers
Despite this one user’s claim that Trouba is part of the transaction, the Rangers captain has a no-trade clause and has stated that he wants to stay in New York.
Trouba has two years left on his contract, and NHL insider Arthur Staple of The Athletic recently stated that the defenseman is likely to be traded next year rather than this offseason.
“If you want to speak next summer, then I’d say the possibilities of a Trouba trade go up from “almost zero” to “virtually definite.” Both sides, the organization and the captain, recognize what’s coming once the 2024-25 season ends—new contracts are needed for Igor Shesterkin, Alexis Lafrenière, and K’Andre Miller, plus a backup goaltender and possibly another top-nine forward,” Staple wrote in his article.
“Trouba’s contract would be up for another year, making him more appealing to possible trade partners. His wife, Dr. Kelly Trouba, would complete her residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. Things appear tidier next summer for the Rangers and Trouba, who will undoubtedly be driven to erase his terrible postseason performance following a fractured ankle late last season,” Staple noted.
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