Expected return for star winger Mitch Marner revealed: Opportunity for Allvin?

PUBLICATION

Felip Gosselin
August 2, 2024 (7:02 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Former NHL player and current NHL Network analyst Stu Grimson has revealed what the Toronto Maple Leafs might expect if they decide to trade Mitch Marner.

Many fans and analysts around the league anticipate that Marner will complete the final year of his six-year contract without signing an extension or approving a trade. However, if the Leafs choose to trade the 27-year-old forward, Grimson believes the team will target a particular type of player in return.

"This group needs a little more sandpaper. They need more grit where their top-six is concerned. You look at that list of candidates in their top-six and I go back to the Florida series. The trouble that club had with Tkachuk and Bennett. Both players who factor in the top six for the Florida Panthers. I know the Leafs covet that kind of gritty presence as part of your top six, who can also generate top-end offensive numbers...

It'll be a haul. I got to believe there'll be a solid, established impact NHL player as part of the mix and perhaps a mix of picks and prospects... But it should be a rich return without question."

The Leafs addressed their need for more grit and physicality in their top six last summer by adding Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi. With Bertuzzi now heading to Chicago, Brad Treliving and the Leafs have an opportunity to bolster their forward lines further. Unfortunately, such players are in short supply and are often hard to acquire unless under special circumstances, like a trade request, similar to the Tkachuk deal.

If the Leafs have decided not to extend Marner's contract internally, convincing him to waive his no-movement clause and accept a trade would be ideal. However, as of now, Marner is expected to return to the Leafs for the upcoming season.

Patrik Allvin going after Mitch Marner?

We rarely see top-end players in the middle of their prime heading onto the trade block or even free agency. Teams that traded to acquire superstars in recent years ended on the winner's side. The Panthers went after Matthew Tkachuk and won a cup. The Golden Knights went after Jack Eichel and won a cup.

A player of Mitch Marner's stature could change the face of a franchise; if Marner does indeed make it to the trade block, should Allvin at least inquire?

Credit: Maple Leafs Daily

Expected trade return for Mitch Marner now known, thanks to NHL analyst