Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner has recently been the subject of trade rumors, with one proposed deal suggesting he could be traded to the Detroit Red Wings.
Marner is in the final year of his six-year, $65.4 million contract, making him a popular trade target due to the Maple Leafs’ continued playoff struggles. A user on the website PuckPedia, using their new PuckGM tool, suggested a blockbuster trade that would send Marner to Detroit.
Proposed Trade:
– Red Wings Receive:
– Mitch Marner
– Maple Leafs Receive:
– Lucas Raymond
– Jonatan Berggren
– William Wallinder
– 2025 second-round pick
This trade would be significant for both teams. Detroit would gain a superstar forward in Marner, who could strengthen the Red Wings’ young core and aid their playoff push. Toronto would acquire Lucas Raymond, a 22-year-old winger drafted fourth overall by Detroit in 2020. Raymond, currently a restricted free agent (RFA), has yet to agree to a contract extension with the Red Wings.
In addition to Raymond, the Leafs would receive Jonatan Berggren, a 24-year-old forward who could potentially fill a bottom-six role for Toronto. The trade would also include William Wallinder, a defenseman drafted in the second round in 2020, who is projected to be a second or third-pairing defenseman in the NHL. The deal would be rounded out with a 2025 second-round pick. However, for Detroit to proceed with this trade, they would likely need Marner to agree to a contract extension, securing his long-term future with the Red Wings.
Raymond’s Contract Situation
Detroit has yet to sign RFA Lucas Raymond to an extension, causing some concern among Red Wings fans. However, head coach Derek Lalonde has downplayed the situation, expressing confidence that the deal will be completed.
“I’m not worried,” Lalonde said. “It’s all part of it. I’ve had a little experience with this in the past with RFAs. It’s all part of the process.”
Raymond had an impressive season last year, playing in all 82 games and tallying 31 goals and 41 assists for 72 points. Lalonde praised Raymond for his offseason improvement, noting that he looked like a “different athlete” when he returned to the team.
Marner’s Future in Toronto
Drafted by the Maple Leafs with the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, Marner has expressed his desire to stay in Toronto long-term. As a hometown player, Marner has made it clear that remaining with the Leafs is a priority.
“That’d be a goal. I’ve expressed my love for this place, this city. Obviously, I’ve grown up here. We’ll start thinking about that now and trying to figure something out… It means the world to me,” Marner said in a media interview on May 6.
Last season, Marner recorded 26 goals and 59 assists for 85 points in 69 games, highlighting his importance to the team.