Maple Leafs Rumors: Could Blackhawks Trade For Mitch Marner?

Thursday, May 16, 2024 ,

The Chicago Blackhawks are at the center of recent speculation as rumors suggest they might consider a trade for Toronto Maple Leafs' star forward, Mitch Marner, as noted by Nate Brown of Chicago Hockey Now.

Marner could offer a significant boost to the Blackhawks, who are looking to inject firepower and excitement back into their lineup.

However, the feasibility of such a trade is complex, involving multiple factors like Marner's hefty contract and the assets the Blackhawks would need to relinquish in return, including potentially high-end prospects or key roster players like defenseman Seth Jones.

Adding further complexity to the situation are the salary cap implications for both teams. Marner commands a large salary, which poses challenges for the Blackhawks’ budget and future financial flexibility.

On the other hand, Seth Jones' substantial contract and potential no-trade clause could complicate negotiations, making it a tough puzzle for both teams to solve in terms of matching salary caps and player value. There's rumors that the Canadian teams are on Jones' 10-team no-trade list, so that would further complicate any deal.

Jones is entering the third year of his 8-year, $76M contract ($9.5M AAV), signed back in 2021. It seems unlikely that the Maple Leafs would put themselves right back into another hefty contract situation with Jones, as that's something the team's trying to move away from.

Despite these challenges, the prospect of acquiring a player of Marner’s caliber might be too tempting for the Blackhawks to dismiss.

His ability to elevate the team’s offensive dynamics, paired with Connor Bedard, and create scoring opportunities is undeniable, making him a potentially transformative addition to the roster. Photo Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports



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