It has become an annual occurrence for Toronto Maple Leafs trade speculations to swirl around each offseason. After enduring several disappointing playoff exits, including another Game 7 defeat against the Boston Bruins, there is a consensus that a significant overhaul is necessary in Toronto, particularly involving their prominent players. Brendan Shanahan and Brad Treliving have discussed the team’s offseason approach, emphasizing the end of the era of patience.
One could argue that changes should have been implemented earlier, notably after their collapse against the Montreal Canadiens in 2021 when they squandered a 3-1 series lead. The quartet of Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander has collectively contributed to underwhelming playoff performances since their tenure in Toronto began. However, this year’s playoff elimination has a different feel to it.
There have been implications that if the core four did not achieve a deep playoff run, it would likely mark the conclusion of their time together. Marner appears to be the odd one out, given that both Matthews and Nylander have recently inked contract extensions with the team. Tavares, as the team captain, may not command a significant return in a trade due to his age and salary cap implications.
Mock Trade Proposals Have Begun
Trade rumors involving Mitch Marner have been abundant. With his contract expiring at the end of the upcoming season, Marner will likely demand a raise from his current $10.9 million cap hit. The question remains whether the Maple Leafs will be willing to grant him a raise and overlook the team’s history of disappointing playoff results just to retain him. According to many, this would not be a prudent decision. Trading Marner is considered the wiser option, as hypothetical Leafs trades have been a frequent topic of discussion among hockey fans.
One particularly noteworthy Marner trade scenario was proposed by Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon, involving the Maple Leafs engaging in a significant deal with the Calgary Flames. This speculation has led many to wonder if Marner has already played his final game as a Leaf.
Dixon presented four actual trade proposals that he believed the Maple Leafs should seriously consider, but the Flames trade stood out as the most intriguing of the bunch.
Could the Flames and Leafs Engage In Blockbuster Deal
In this hypothetical trade scenario, Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving would orchestrate a significant shake-up with his former team. The proposed deal is outlined as follows:
To Calgary: Forward Mitch Marner, Forward Fraser Minten, Forward Nick Robertson, Defenseman Timothy Liljegren
To Toronto: Goaltender Jacob Markstrom (with 25% salary retained), Defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
This trade would represent a major blockbuster deal for both franchises. The Maple Leafs would be parting ways with a high-profile player to address various needs across their roster. On the other hand, the Flames would acquire assets in the form of young players who align with their focus on youth development. Such a trade presents arguments for both potential successes and failures for each team. However, in the realm of speculative trades, it is common for many factors to be overlooked that could render the trade invalid, yet the entertainment value remains.
Let’s delve deeper into the components of this proposed trade and analyze the reasons why it could be a viable or unwise decision for this trade to come to fruition.
Leafs Would Be Addressing Roster Weaknesses
If this trade were to transpire, Toronto would acquire a reliable starting goaltender in Markstrom and add another top-four defenseman in Andersson to their roster.
Despite Markstrom being 34 years old, he would immediately become the Maple Leafs’ top goaltending option. Toronto has faced instability in the goaltending position in recent years, lacking a consistent presence in net. Bringing in a seasoned netminder like Markstrom would provide the team with a temporary solution in goal, given that his contract expires at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season. It is worth noting that Markstrom possesses a no-movement clause, offering him control over potential trades. However, his age, $6 million cap hit, and a history of inconsistency throughout his career raise some concerns.
On the other hand, adding Andersson to Toronto’s defensive lineup would be a strategic move. The 27-year-old Swedish defenseman has developed into a dependable top-four defenseman with the Calgary Flames. With Morgan Rielly being the sole established top-four defenseman for the Leafs, incorporating Andersson would alleviate pressure on Rielly and bolster the defensive core, crucial for playoff competitiveness.
Andersson has been the subject of trade speculations earlier in the season, prompting speculation about his future in Calgary. Should he be traded, Toronto could be a suitable destination for him. Andersson carries a cap hit of approximately $4.5 million, and in the final two seasons of his contract, he possesses a modified no-trade clause.
Flames Gain Assets For Retool
The Calgary Flames are embarking on a significantly different path. A new era is beginning in Calgary, as a promising youth movement has commenced under the leadership of new General Manager Craig Conroy. A trade of this magnitude would bring in pieces that could contribute both in the present and the future, which aligns with the goals of a retooling process. Young forwards like Robertson and Minten could potentially become building blocks for the Flames’ future as they develop within a new system. Additionally, acquiring Marner would provide an immediate boost to their roster.
The Flames are unlikely to be serious Stanley Cup contenders during the remainder of Markstrom’s contract. This trade would allow the team to recoup notable assets in exchange for an aging player. Given the misalignment between the Flames’ current status and Markstrom’s desire to win, it is probable that he will be traded this summer.
The departure of Andersson would further weaken Calgary’s defensive corps. While the Flames would receive Liljegren in return, he is not at the same caliber as Andersson. However, Liljegren is still young, and there is potential for his development.
The Flames are not in a position to contend for the foreseeable future. It is time for the organization to establish a clear direction. With many Flames fans agreeing that a rebuild or retool is necessary, this trade would enable the acquisition of more young pieces while maintaining a competitive culture.
The Issues With This Deal
Every hypothetical trade presents its challenges, and this proposed trade is no different.
To begin with, Marner holds a full no-movement clause. Would he be open to relocating to Calgary? Additionally, considering Marner’s impending contract negotiations and the likelihood of a salary increase, would Calgary be willing to meet his financial demands, especially with Jonathan Huberdeau already on a hefty contract exceeding $10 million?
Moreover, it would be difficult for Toronto to part ways with both Robertson and Minten, who are key young assets for the organization. On the other hand, trading Andersson is a scenario that currently seems improbable for Calgary. The Flames are not inclined towards a complete rebuild, and Andersson, in his prime and emerging as a team leader, is a valuable asset. It is probable that the Flames would only consider trading Andersson if presented with an exceptionally compelling offer. While Markstrom is more likely to be traded, he retains control over his destination due to his trade protection rights.
The likelihood of this trade materializing is low, as there are significant obstacles to overcome. However, engaging in mock trades serves as an entertaining way to explore different possibilities. Marner’s future in Toronto remains uncertain and could potentially make him a sought-after trade target for teams in the upcoming summer.
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