The Leafs will «will look at everything this summer,» as Shanahan and Treliving explained. Moving Matthews isn't one of those things, and the likelihood of trading William Nylander is slim. But what about captain John Tavares and star winger Mitch Marner, both of whom will be entering the final year of their respective contracts?
I have a hard time believing Tavares will waive his no-movement clause, but I'm not convinced that is the same case for Marner. Speaking with those close to his camp, the belief is he would, and should, consider alternative options if the Leafs seek a trade. And no, the Leafs are not going to move him for a package surrounded by future assets. If they go down this road, and teams have already poked around, it's a talent-for-talent swap.
One team I am curious about is the Nashville Predators. A star player like Marner would fit in nicely at Bridgestone Arena and they have a star of their own they are willing to move for the right deal, despite GM Barry Trotz recently reaffirming their desire to keep him.
Goaltender Juuse Saros, like Marner, will soon be on an expiring contract. With Yaroslav Askarov waiting in the wings, moving Saros for extra fire power up front could be what the doctor ordered.
