Brad Treliving Urged to Force Mitch Marner's Exit Through Bold Sign-and-Trade Plan
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving should utilize a sign and trade in order to at least try to recoup some assets if he's going to end up losing Mitch Marner this summer.
If Toronto is going to end up losing Mitch Marner this upcoming free agency, it's going to be a huge blow to the team's roster and identity as they look to move on and figure things out for the next iteration hopeful to make a Stanley Cup push.
But if they are going to lose him for nothing come free agency, that's a horrible end to his tenure, and while he blocked a deal previously; if he's leaving he can at least help the team on the way out.
Brad Treliving Should Persuade Mitch Marner To Agree To Sign And Trade
Which is why Brad Treliving should have a serious discussion with Marner and let him know that he appreciates his desire to leave elsewhere.
Just don't leave the Leafs empty handed.
It would be a bold move, but but asking Marner for a list of 5-7 destinations he prefers to go to (we already know a few) then trying to make a deal work with one of those teams gets two things done at once.
If Treliving can figure out a deal that would benefit his team (though he may need to take a hit on the return) then Marner leaving won't sting as bad as it normally would.
For arguments sake, and this is just a pure speculative deal, but let's take a trade to Los Angeles for example:
To Los Angeles:
To Toronto:
The Maple Leafs would be able to acquire a third line center to give them both an offensive and defensive punch, while also acquiring the rights to Gavrikov; a staunch defender who can contribute a new look to Toronto's offense on the blue line.
Toronto Needs To Recoup Assets Ahead of 2026
Gavrikov is also a free agent this summer, so it's imperative they get the rights to talk to him first, and also get a deal done (five years, $40M seems appropriate) but he could offer a new facet to Craig Berube's back end, one that needs a bit of a mentality shift.
He played in all 82 games, registering 30 points (5G, 25A) with 140 blocks, 50 hits, 28 PIM and a plus-26 rating.
Foegele had a very solid year as well, playing in all 82 games. He posted 46 points (24G, 22A) with 74 hits, 24 PIM and a blistering plus-36 rating.
LA would receive Marner, extended for a long time and coming off a career year with a lot of self-motivation.
He also gets a chance to develop chemistry alongside Quinton Byfield and Alex Laferriere in order to create a new dynamic in California after Anze Kopitar retires.
They also get Holmberg, who might not have the same offense as Foegele but can certainly help out and needs a change of scenery.
Perhaps moving to a team that affords him more offensive chances could help, and he's still growing into his own as a player.
More than capable defensively, Holmberg seems to struggle with the pressure of playing in Toronto and a move out of the spotlight could unlock some of his potential.
Niemala is interesting, as he never really got a fair shake when it comes to making the Maple Leafs. His name has been floated about and he has a lot of upside, but just hasn't been given the chance.
With LA, he can at least get a bit more opportunity and might develop some chemistry with young defenseman Brandt Clarke or Jordan Spence; but he needs to start showing his ability on a more consistent basis.
Plus, with the cap rising and other moves to be made (buyouts, trades) they can create even more room for a potential 2026 free agent (Connor McDavid anyone?), so why not try and get as much as you can, even if you're taking a bit of a hit.
It's a lot to ask Marner to commit to a decision before free agency, where he's no doubt going to have his fair share of suitors.
But if you're Brad Treliving, you've gotta give it a chance. The worst Marner can say is no, which is no different than the answer he's basically already given us.
| POLL | ||
MAI 26 | 533 ANSWERS Brad Treliving Urged to Force Mitch Marner's Exit Through Bold Sign-and-Trade Plan Do you think Toronto should make a sign-and-trade with Mitch Marner, or just let him go? | ||
| Get some assets back! | 425 | 79.7 % |
| Let the kid go already! | 108 | 20.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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