The 2023–24 NHL season is over, which means trade rumors involving superstar Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs are intensifying. The most recent rumor is outrageous.
Let’s dive right in and stop wasting time on this Toronto Maple Leafs trade rumor. In return for Mitch Marner, the Leafs would need to acquire Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri from the Calgary Flames. This is a spicy one, so thanks to Sam McKee and Justin Bourne of Sportsnet!
The Leafs could sign a top-four defenseman and top-six winger/centre for the same price as Marner because Kadri makes $7 million until 2029 and Andersson makes $4.5 million until 2026. Despite Kadri’s problematic past with the Leafs, there are a few reasons why I kind of love this trade.
Whatever you think of Marner’s skill set, the Leafs are no longer in need of him. You can shout and cry about how great he is and that the Leafs ought to win it back, but something has to happen. They need a change in the room as much as a change on the ice, and Marner remaining with the team for the entire season will be a distraction, particularly if he doesn’t sign an extension.
Rumor of a Trade Brings Kadri Home for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Is this the best return the Leafs can hope for in this trade? Though I may be mistaken, I believe it improves this team.
In the regular season, no one will be able to surpass Marner’s point totals, but Kadri could be useful. Despite serving a suspension during the playoffs while he was in Toronto, Kadri made a significant impact. Teams detested facing him, and during his Stanley Cup season with Colorado, his incredible skill set was finally evident.
The Avalanche’s Stanley Cup victory was greatly aided by Kadri, who finished with seven goals and eighteen points in fifteen playoff games. He was a pain to play against and gave his team his all in addition to his goal. He proved to the rest of the league that he was worth a long-term deal, but Toronto should jump on him because he won’t be productive in Calgary.
Kadri is a player who can help a team, like Toronto, reach new heights; he is not someone you want to build a team around. Though he didn’t want to leave Toronto because he enjoyed playing there, Kadri’s decision paid off as he was crowned champion. He would certainly enjoy going back to his hometown and would be thrilled to have another shot at a championship in Toronto under new general manager and head coach leadership.
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