Maple Leafs Pursuit Of Noah Dobson Takes An Interesting Turn

The headlines have been constant as of late with the Toronto Maple Leafs being linked to basically every potential trade target on the market. From Brayden Schenn to Erik Karlsson to Brock Nelson and many more -- there's a big trade incoming.

But they've also been linked to Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson. While the 25-year old would be great in blue and white, it seems New York is looking for a specific player in return and barring that -- will attempt to make a big play for Mitch Marner in free agency.

So with that being said -- should Toronto still attempt to go after him before they lock up Marner?

If Toronto had it their way, they could find a way to acquire Dobson and keep Marner around but it's a really tough ask.

Marner -- if he re-signs -- will be a huge money hit on the team, and with projections he's going to make north of $13.5M (internal salary cap be damned) then Toronto needs to make sure they can afford Dobson.

Not only asset wise, as New York will no doubt be looking for Toronto's 2026 1st rounder, potentially their 2025 2nd rounder, and a prospect like Fraser Minten as well as a piece like Nicholas Robertson.

It's a lot to pay especially for a player who is set to become a restricted free agent at season's end -- and Matthew Knies still needs a contract.

So does John Tavares and there's only so much money to go around. The salary cap is expected to rise exponentially, and while that's good news for the future -- it doesn't solve their cap issues now or next season.

If Toronto gets an inkling that Marner is going to walk, they should no doubt go all-in to acquire Dobson. An aging defensive corps needs a future star and Dobson can replace Morgan Rielly eventually -- so win-win. The team saves money and gets a stud defenseman locked up.

If New York is dead-set on going after Marner in free agency, and they are unable to get the players they want and want to extend him -- Toronto should do their best to convince them otherwise.