Toronto radio host reports Leafs and Canes working on a massive trade

According to long-time Toronto radio host Howard Berger, the Leafs and Canes are working on a deal that would send a seismic shockwave through the hockey world. Obviously this should be taken with a grain of salt as Berger is not your typical NHL insider, but he mentions that the Leafs and Canes are discussing a deal surrounding Mitch Marner.

There are no specifics reported, but Carolina needs a game-breaker like Marner and the Leafs need a top-pairing defenseman to play with Morgan Rielly. Marner has a no-movement clause that kicks in July 1st, so this deal would likely be a draft-day type of trade. Marner has 2 years left on his current deal with a cap hit of $10.9M per season and should the Leafs deal Marner, any deal with the Canes will likely start with Brett Pesce as part of the return. Naturally, he wouldn't be the centerpiece of the deal. Pesce has 1 year left on his current deal so an extension would have to be worked out in due time. Additionally, the Leafs would likely be seeking a young forward in return like Seth Jarvis or Martin Necas, both of whom will be RFAs at the end of next season. The Leafs would almost certainly be looking for a prospect and/or some draft compensation as well, so at least one 1st round pick would be required. Of course, the Leafs might have to send another piece back to Carolina to "even out" the trade, be it a pick or a prospect, but in any case, it almost seems like the Leafs would lose any deal involving Marner.

It is interesting that this kind of report would surface just days after Chris Johnston reported that Brendan Shanahan called each of the Leafs' "Core 4" and said that they would all be returning for the upcoming season. Not to mention, the Leafs are in the middle of a GM search so if this deal does come to fruition before the Leafs have a new GM it will have been completed by Brandon Pridham, formerly Kyle Dubas' right-hand man.

Is a trade package like this acceptable for both teams?


To CAR: Mitch Marner, Roni Hirvonen

To TOR: Martin Necas, Brett Pesce, Alexander Pashin, 1st round pick in 2023, 2nd round pick in 2024

The alternative is to perhaps look at a deal centered around a Marner for Sebastian Aho swap, although the Canes may have to add a piece to the deal for it to make sense from the Leafs' perspective. Aho would give the Leafs a solid 2C, which would allow them to shift Tavares over to the wing full-time next season.

We'll be sure to keep an eye on this situation and provide any updates that may become available. With the draft now just a month away, the rumours are going to start surfacing in droves.