Stamkos and Marchessault reportedly open to contenders, and the Maple Leafs can't ignore it
Photo credit: Hockey Patrol
A new update from David Pagnotta suggests that both Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault would be open to joining a top-tier contender, and the Toronto Maple Leafs could be one of the teams that has to think about what that means for them.
Although the team is struggling early on with an 8-9-2 record, the Toronto Maple Leafs still have a good chance at making the playoffs as long as they turn things around in time.
That improvement might come via the trade market, and a new report signals that the team may have one of two premium assets who are looking for a chance to win.
According to David Pagnotta, who appeared on Jeff Marek's podcast 'The Sheet' on Nov 14, Pagnotta pointed to two star forwards now in Nashville's organization who may entertain a move to a contender.
Those players are Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault.
What David Pagnotta actually said about Stamkos, Marchessault and contenders
Pagnotta explained that, in his view, both Stamkos and Marchessault would be willing to move to a top-tier contender, and that they're looking for a strong chance at winning the Cup:
I do think both Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault are willing, will be willing, to move to a top tier contender.
While the Maple Leafs right now might not be considered a top contender, the Atlantic Division currently is wide open, and there's only four points separating 15th place in the Eastern Conference and 6th; Toronto can get right back into things with a couple of wins.
But wins are hard to come by so adding a player like Marchessault or Stamkos would give them more help as both men are reliable and prolific scorers who are struggling with their current situation.
Where the Maple Leafs realistically fit into this kind of sweepstakes
Realistically with their current cap situation they can't fit either player into the fold and will need to get a deal done if they want to clear space.
That could mean names like Max Domi, Brandon Carlo, Matias Maccelli and others end up in trade conversations if the Leafs decide to seriously enter this kind of sweepstakes - but that's speculation based on their cap sheet, not a report of active talks.
Marchessault, 34, is making $5.5-million for the next four seasons and would be a cheaper alternative to Stamkos.
His career numbers are stellar, and he's only missed the 20-goal mark once. In 733 games he has 549 points (255 goals, 294 assists) while also providing 76 points in 103 playoff games and a Stanley Cup to boot.
He would fit in anywhere in the lineup, and with Toronto needing an additional scoring presence beyond their stars -- Marchessault fits both money and roster wise.
Stamkos, 35, makes $8-million for the next three seasons which makes his struggles a bit more worrisome. He only has five points through 20 games, but his career numbers can't be overlooked.
1,195 points in 1,184 games, 101 points in 158 playoff games and has won two Stanley Cups. He's the type of player who makes teams better, and even in a quieter year by his standards he still put up 53 points.
That screams top-six and would give Craig Berube a chance to employ with William Nylander or Stamkos alongside Auston Matthews, and put the other beside John Tavares.
That would give the team a lot more firepower with the absence of Mitch Marner and you're adding a player who is a potential future hall of famer.
If the Maple Leafs decide they need another major move to change their trajectory, targeting players like Steven Stamkos or Jonathan Marchessault would be a logical starting point.
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