In his September 3 «Between the Posts» post, Howard Berger quoted an unnamed former Maple Leafs' worker who said:
«It doesn't matter if the Leafs miss the playoffs, get knocked out again in the first round or win the Stanley Cup, one of Matthews, Marner or Nylander will be traded — either at the regular–season deadline or next summer. Management knows and has constantly discussed this scenario, understanding there is no way for the team to maintain, or improve, its defense without such a move. That includes re–signing Morgan Rielly, or finding a replacement. After the coming season, it's over for the Big 4 up front.»
I honestly agree with him. 40M$ for 4 players is way too much. That is 50% of the Salary Cap.
The question is which one of the 4?
Will the Leafs traded one of their BIG 4?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs reporter addresses rumours of Mitch Marner's trade list