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.
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.
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
POLL | ||
2 AOUT | 318 ANSWERS Expected return for star winger Mitch Marner revealed: Opportunity for Allvin? Should Patrik Allvin get involved if Mitch Marner makes it to the trade block? | ||
Yes | 97 | 30.5 % |
No | 221 | 69.5 % |
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