Hockey insider and reporter James Mirtle of The Athletic has suggested that the Toronto Maple Leafs might consider trading Mitch Marner in a one-for-one deal for Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev.
As Marner enters the final year of his six-year $65.4 million contract with the Maple Leafs, his name features prominently on various trade speculation lists following Toronto’s playoff elimination. Mirtle believes that Tampa Bay could surprise many by acquiring Marner and potentially offering Sergachev in the trade.
During an appearance on the JD Bunkis show on Sportsnet on June 26, Mirtle mentioned, “Maybe something with the Lightning, who look like they could be movers and shakers here. It would be Sergachev.”
Sergachev, on the other hand, has seven years remaining on the eight-year $68 million deal he signed on July 13, 2022. Notably, he does not have any trade protection until July 1. Therefore, if Tampa Bay were to pursue this hypothetical trade, it would need to be completed before July 1 without requiring Sergachev’s approval.
In the previous season with the Lightning, Sergachev played 34 games and accumulated 2 goals and 17 assists for a total of 19 points. Despite sustaining a leg injury, Sergachev was a pivotal member of the Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2020 and 2021 before his setback.
Insider Makes Case for Maple Leafs to Consider Trade
Following Mirtle’s proposal of the hypothetical trade, he expressed that it’s a move Toronto should seriously consider if it’s a viable option.
The potential trade would grant Toronto more than $2 million in cap space while providing them with a genuine top-tier defenseman in Sergachev, who still has seven years remaining on his contract.
“You gain some cap space, acquire a defenseman, and hope that Sergachev bounces back. He had a tough year due to playing injured for much of it. I believe the Lightning are exploring this because they might lose Stamkos, indicating a transition for the team. They want to assess if they can return the team to contending status rather than lingering in the second tier,” Mirtle elaborated.
As for Tampa Bay, obtaining Marner would introduce an explosive offensive playmaker to their lineup. Additionally, Sergachev’s role has diminished with the arrival of Ryan McDonagh and the presence of Victor Hedman and Erik Cernak on the team.
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