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Insider reveals what a Mitch Marner trade would cost the acquiring team

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Josh Tupper
August 3, 2024  (5:31 PM)
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Speculation Grows on Mitch Marner's Future with the Toronto Maple Leafs

Rumors have been swirling around the Toronto Maple Leafs and their star forward Mitch Marner, sparking discussions about what a potential trade might yield for the team. While the decision to trade Marner remains uncertain, NHL insiders are actively speculating on the potential return, providing insights into what the Leafs might seek in exchange for their talented winger.

One of the most intriguing perspectives comes from former NHL player and current studio analyst Stu Grimson, who shared his thoughts on what the Leafs could expect to receive in a Marner trade. According to Grimson, the return would be substantial, focusing on acquiring a specific type of player that the Leafs desperately need.

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

Grimson's analysis highlights a critical need for the Maple Leafs: adding grit and physicality to their top-six forwards. The Leafs have struggled in recent playoff series, notably against teams like the Florida Panthers, whose players, such as Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett, combine skill with a physical edge. This type of player has given Toronto trouble, and Grimson suggests that the Leafs are keen on acquiring a similar presence in any Marner trade.

The Maple Leafs have made previous attempts to add toughness to their lineup, but these efforts have often fallen short when it mattered most. If Marner is indeed traded, Toronto will likely pursue a player who can deliver offensively while also possessing the ability to agitate opponents consistently.

In Grimson's view, a trade involving Marner would bring in a mix of an established NHL player, prospects, and draft picks. The expectation is that the return would be substantial, given Marner's high value as a top-tier forward in the league. However, acquiring a gritty, impactful player would be a priority, even if it means accepting fewer picks and prospects.

For the Maple Leafs, the stakes are high. Marner, one of the team's cornerstone players, has been an integral part of Toronto's success. Yet, with the possibility of him entering free agency after the next season, the Leafs face the risk of losing him without getting anything in return. This scenario adds pressure on the organization to consider a trade if the right opportunity arises.

Ultimately, the decision to trade Marner hinges on the Maple Leafs' long-term strategy and their commitment to building a team that can compete for the Stanley Cup. While the rumors continue to circulate, the team must carefully weigh their options to ensure they capitalize on Marner's value and address their lineup's needs.

Source - Maple Leafs Daily
Expected trade return for Mitch Marner now known, thanks to NHL analyst

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Do you agree with Stu Grimson's assessment of a possible Mitch Marner return for the Toronto Maple Leafs

Yes321.4 %
No750 %
It really doesn't matter what he's traded for428.6 %
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