NHL analyst reveals major return for Leafs in a Mitch Marner trade

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a major off-season thus far, adding several key pieces to their blue line and goaltending group, but according to speculation, there's still a massive chance that they trade star forward Mitch Marner.

All off-season long, we've heard predictions and rumours about his future, and as training camp approaches, the speculation isn't going away, with one NHL analyst making a major prediction about the return.

According to Stu Grimson of the NHL Network, the team are looking to get grittier up front, looking at the success of Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett in Florida, and on top of that, they could get a haul of assets in return for the 27-year old.

Marner himself has yet to address the rumours that have been circling for weeks now, and even if he does waive the no-trade clause that comes with plenty of issues, any team looking to acquire him would need to contend with the cap hit that comes in at just under $11 million next season.

Given Toronto's goals in 2024/25 of chasing the Stanley Cup, they likely won't be looking to retain salary, and after teams have filled out their rosters over the off-season, the list of potential suitors have dwindled for the Maple Leafs.

Despite missing 13 games a season ago, Marner's regular season production was amazing once again, netting 26 goals and 85 points, but it was his playoff performance that worried the Maple Leafs once again. In seven games, Marner had a solid three points, but was on the ice for several massive moments for the Boston Bruins, and while he possesses a no-trade clause in his contract, the team are still exploring opportunities, so expect to hear much more about this before the season begins.

Source: HockeyDB
Mitch Marner statistics

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Expected trade return for Mitch Marner now known, thanks to NHL analyst