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Insider Reporting a Sign and Trade Potentially in the Works Involving the Leafs and Golden Knights
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
While the Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner are set for a split this summer, Nick Kypreos believes that a sign-and-trade for Marner is still very much on the table.
The Toronto Maple Leafs were seemingly well aware that Mitch Marner was not going to return once he was eligible for free agency, as evidenced by their attempts to move him at the trade deadline this past year.
Once the playoffs ended, it was all but a foregone conclusion, which was ultimately confirmed a couple weeks ago by Blues rinkside reporter Andy Strickland.
While it's disappointing that the rumoured trades didn't go down at the trade deadline, the Leafs can still maximize their return through a sign-and-trade, as reported by Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos.
The most obvious sign-and-trade possibility would be with the Vegas Golden Knight, who have become the favourites to land Mitch Marner. However, issues are to arise considering their lack of cap space at the moment, and the need to trade roster players to get it done.
They've been reportedly shopping Tomas Hertl, who carries a full NMC until July 1st when it changes to a 3-team NMC/NTC, as well as William Karlsson and potentially others including Ivan Barbashev. To make Marner's potential cap hit work, they would have to move a few bodies - and that's where Toronto can jump in.
While the focus around Marner has to do with his free agent status, we can't rule out the potential for a sign and trade here. For example, going back to Vegas and Karlsson, obtaining a No. 2 centre is as high a priority for Toronto as well as a top winger replacement for Marner this summer.
Kypreos added that it's a benefit for both parties because Marner can maximize his contract value by signing an 8-year deal with the Leafs through a sign-and-trade. That way, with an extension complete, Toronto could get a juicier return package.
Dealing Marner would ensure they get something back for losing him, and doing so with a contract in place would bring a return that's far more enticing and impactful than simply trading his negotiating rights.
It's a situation that will benefit all 3 parties because Toronto gets something out one of their most valuable assets, Marner gets the lucrative contract that he wants, and the other team receives a superstar winger on a deal they couldn't get otherwise.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 24 | 6346 ANSWERS Insider Reporting a Sign and Trade Potentially in the Works Involving the Leafs and Golden Knights Do you think the Leafs and Golden Knights will complete a sign and trade involving Mitch Marner? | ||
| Yes | 3225 | 50.8 % |
| No | 3121 | 49.2 % |
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