Report: Marner's pending extension could force Toronto all-in ahead of trade deadline
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the middle of a rock and a hard place. GM Brad Treliving has been working the phones looking for a middle-six center, but doesn't have a 2025 first-round pick, has no intention of giving up any of his top three prospects, and there's also Mitch Marner's pending free agency looming over the franchise.
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Marner's extension could actually force Treliving all-in ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.
If the Leafs feel comfortable that they can get Marner locked up, be it before the deadline or ahead of July 1, they may proceed with caution. If there is even the slightest amount of doubt, though, now might be the time to go for it as their window may start to close if they lose a 100-point calibre player for nothing.
Pagnotta suggests Treliving isn't open to overpaying, even though this could be the Leafs' best chance at winning a Stanley Cup. With Craig Berube's new system, their upgrading blueline, and the strong play of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll, it's certainly some interesting times for the Leafs' GM. There's no shortage of centers available, it's going to, like usual, come down to asking price.
The Leafs want to understand their options and have been casting a wide net. Treliving has kicked the tires on forwards like Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders, Casey Mittlestadt of the Colorado Avalanche, Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres, Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers, Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken, and Ryan Donato of the Chicago Blackhawks, among others.
Obviously, the prices vary based on the player and his contractual status. We’ve known for two seasons that Laughton has been on Toronto’s radar, but the price hasn’t really changed. For example, the Flyers want a first-round pick or a prospect with equivalent value for Laughton, if they move him anywhere. And I don’t get the sense the team is interested in moving someone like Fraser Minten, Ben Danford or Easton Cowan for a bottom-six forward.
The trade deadline is set for March 7, the Leafs have very limited cap space, and have Calle Jarnkrok returning from injury before the deadline. Decisions, decisions in Toronto.
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