**Maple Leafs Trade Proposal Swaps Vegas Defender for Mitch Marner**
The Vegas Golden Knights secured a wild card spot but were eliminated by the Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs. To rebound in the 2024-25 season after their 2023 Cup win, Vegas needs to address roster needs. General manager Kelly McCrimmon aims to add youth and navigate salary cap constraints, with Vegas already $3.6 million over the cap. One potential solution is trading for available players.
Nate Duffett of Clutch Points highlights Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner as a trade target. Marner, entering the final season of his six-year contract, is drawing league-wide interest. Toronto, needing cap space and defensive talent, might consider trading him. Duffett suggests a potential trade involving Vegas defenseman Shea Theodore, who is also in the final year of his contract.
Theodore, with a seven-year, $36 million deal, and Marner’s $10.9 million salary don’t align perfectly, so additional players would be needed. Marner has been a strong regular-season performer but has struggled in the playoffs. In the 2023-24 season, he scored 26 goals and 59 assists in 69 games but only managed three points in seven playoff games.
A trade could benefit both teams, offering Marner a fresh start and a top-line role in Vegas. However, Marner’s contract includes a full no-move clause, giving him control over his trade destination. Marner has expressed his desire to sign a long-term deal with Toronto, making it uncertain if he would waive his no-move clause for a trade.
Toronto, needing defensive support but restricted by their salary cap, might entertain trading for Theodore. Heavy Sports suggested a trade involving New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba, while Peter Baracchini of The Hockey Writers proposed Theodore and goalie Logan Thompson as potential returns for Marner. Theodore, who scored 42 points in 47 games in 2023-24, could be a logical acquisition for Toronto, providing offense and mobility on the blue line.
Theodore, like Marner, has some control over his future with a modified no-move clause and a five-team no-trade list. Trading Marner for Theodore could facilitate an extension for Theodore, who would be cheaper than Marner at the end of the 2024-25 season. Both players would need to approve the trade by waiving their no-move clauses.
Leave a Reply