The Toronto Maple Leafs have a tough decision to make over the next few months on Mitch Marner. Marner, who the Maple Leafs want to extend, has yet to come to an agreement on a new deal with Toronto.
There’s a scenario where Marner could leave, putting the Maple Leafs in a tough position.
27 years old, Marner has been as good as it gets, posting 91 points, which ranks fifth in the NHL.
Losing him would be a disaster, but one the Maple Leafs might have to deal with. In the event that he walks, where could Toronto go?
Jonas Siegel of The Athletic linked the Maple Leafs to Brad Marchand and Patrick Kane, two veterans who could keep the Maple Leafs at the top of the standings.
“They will certainly have ample cap space, with Marner’s absence creating a $13 million hole in their salary allocation. It might also make sense to add two wingers, increasing their scoring depth…
“Kane is 36, and there’s injury risk, but the bargain potential is there if he can stay healthy. His cap hit is only $4 million this season, with another $2.5 million in potential performance bonuses, and he’s been very productive for the Detroit Red Wings down the stretch here,” Siegel wrote.
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Marchand and Kane are two of the top players in the NHL in the past decade. Both past their primes, it’s tough to say Maner wouldn’t be the better option, but Toronto might not have a choice.
Regardless, if he departs, replacing him with either veteran should help the Maple Leafs stay competitive.
