Nashville Predators Veteran Emerges as Top Target for Leafs to Fill Mitch Marner Void
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs should really take a gander at trying to acquire Nashville's Jonathan Marchessault, who could be a great replacement for Mitch Marner.
There's a lot of talk regarding who the Maple Leafs might end up trying to add to their team in order to try and replace at least a part of Mitch Marner's offense, while also trying to change their DNA in the process; that's no easy feat for GM Brad Treliving.
It feels like Toronto has been linked to everyone under the sun, from Sam Bennett to Brad Marchand to Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
One name who keeps popping up now and again is Nashville's Jonathan Marchessault, who could be the perfect option to try and give the Leafs a fighting chance once again.
Jonathan Marchessault is a reliable, underrated offensive weapon for Craig Berube
With rumors circulating that Marchessault's time in Nashville might be coming to an end in the near future, the Leafs need to be proactive and try to bring him in.
Marchessault, 34 (soon to be 35) is a savvy veteran who can always be counted on to provide you both regular season and postseason production. He's averaged 21 goals and 45 points throughout his career, and he's a solid defender who doesn't mind throwing hits too.
But it's the playoffs where he really shines, and his 76 points in 102 games (36G, 40A) not only shows that he can perform when it matters, but he had a blistering 25 points and a plus-17 rating during Vegas' Stanley Cup run.
He's only signed for $5.5M over the next four years, and if the team wanted to eschew signing someone like Brad Marchand; as he might be too expensive, they can switch gears and trade for Marchessault.
What would it cost Toronto to acquire Jonathan Marchessault?
Truthfully it shouldn't cost the team too much, as long as they give GM Barry Trotz some pieces to build around, and perhaps bring him both an NHL-ready scorer and an intriguing future player as well.
Toronto will not need any retention on the deal, which will help the team get a deal done, and for a player like Marchessault, he's worth the $5.5M.
So while it's a framework and there are obviously other pieces that could be put in, here's how a deal might look:
To Toronto:
(C) Jonathan Marchessault
To Nashville:
Nashville gets McMann, a player who recently started to break out and is firmly in his prime, but still a bit unknown and streaky for the Maple Leafs.
Holinka is a very interesting prospect who has had some moderate success overseas and might be gearing for a chance to show his stuff in North America.
Toronto then will get Marchessault and be able to place him on the first two lines depending on other signings, but the potential to have him alongside either Auston Matthews or William Nylander is a pretty tantalizing tandem.
There's a lot to love about Marchessault, and he won't cost and arm and a leg this summer. If the Leafs want to change their identity, how about a guy who can actually offer playoff production?
| POLL | ||
JUIN 12 | 324 ANSWERS Nashville Predators Veteran Emerges as Top Target for Leafs to Fill Mitch Marner Void Do you think Jonathan Marchessault would be the right pickup for the Maple Leafs this summer? | ||
| Yes | 179 | 55.2 % |
| No | 145 | 44.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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