A proposed trade could see Mitch Marner move to the Pittsburgh Penguins, even though the Toronto Maple Leafs have hinted at potentially reconfiguring their core four this offseason. Marner, entering the last year of his six-year $65.4 million contract, is a key figure in ongoing trade discussions. Using the new PuckGM tool on PuckPedia, one suggestion involves sending Marner to the Penguins in exchange for several assets.
In this scenario, the Maple Leafs would receive:
– Lars Eller
– Brayden Yager
– A 2025 first-round pick
– A 2026 first-round pick
The Penguins would acquire:
– Mitch Marner (with $5.5 million of his salary retained)
This trade would offer Toronto a future-focused return, including top prospect Brayden Yager, who was picked by Pittsburgh in the 2023 NHL Draft’s first round. Toronto would also gain two future first-round picks and bolster their depth with Lars Eller.
For Pittsburgh, Marner would add a skilled winger to their lineup, potentially enhancing their power play, which struggled last season. Marner could join Sidney Crosby on the top line, helping the Penguins make a final push for the Stanley Cup with their veteran squad.
While former Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas, who originally signed Marner, has yet to show interest in re-acquiring him, his current focus is on infusing the Penguins with younger talent. Dubas aims to rebuild the team with young players, prospects, and draft picks.
Despite trade speculation, it’s expected that Marner will stay with the Maple Leafs for the upcoming season. New head coach Craig Berube has expressed eagerness to work with Marner, praising his character and looking forward to coaching him.
Marner, drafted fourth overall by Toronto in 2015, has played 576 games for the team, notching 194 goals, 445 assists, and 639 points.