Insider Hints Maple Leafs Division Rival Could Make Power Move for Mitch Marner
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
NHL Insider David Pagnotta believes the Ottawa Senators could be sneaky candidates to sign Mitch Marner, as a way to raise the Battle of Ontario to peak intensity.
With all the talk surrounding Mitch Marner and where he may end up this summer, NHL Insider Jeff Marek had David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period on his podcast 'The Sheet' where he asked the insider where he believes Marner may end up.
David Pagnotta names Ottawa Senators as potential destination for Mitch Marner
Pagnotta revealed that among all the regular teams, it seems that the divisional rivalry between Ottawa and Toronto could heat up rapidly given they might make a play for Marner:
It's two-fold. One, you get the best player in the free agent market who just scored 102 points, and you get him the hell out of Toronto [laughs].
It's a double win for the Sens. Look, I wouldn't be surprised if they take a stab, like a lot of teams are going to call up as soon as they have the opportunity to and say 'We're serious about this, are you going to consider us?' - David Pagnotta, The Sheet
It's a double win for the Sens. Look, I wouldn't be surprised if they take a stab, like a lot of teams are going to call up as soon as they have the opportunity to and say 'We're serious about this, are you going to consider us?' - David Pagnotta, The Sheet
Suffice to say, the Ottawa Senators being a potential destination would make the Battle of Ontario go from already heated, to solar flare levels of temperature. Imagining Brady Tkachuk and Mitch Marner on the same team brings chills to fans, though Toronto's is more of a terrified shudder.
But would they actually be able to sway him?
Ottawa might be out of luck; but only due to money issues
It's not that the Senators don't have cap, as they have several expiring deals and could easily fill those with cheap options.
But they do have a few deals they need to figure out shortly like Shane Pinto, re-sign Adam Gaudette, and figure out a backup goaltender as well.
Plus, we know that Marner seemingly prefers to go to a sunnier destination, preferably one with a much lower tax rate than other places. If Ottawa wants to lure him in, they need to not only pay him, but sell him on the idea of redemption.
What better way to lure Marner over than to say "With you we can beat them. We took you to six games." We know Marner wants to win, and he might harbor some resentment that he never got it done with the Leafs.
So going to one of their most heated rivals would certainly bring a new caveat to the Battle of Ontario, and Marner very well could be a huge part of Ottawa's ascent up the Atlantic.
But it's going to cost them a lot of money, which they might not have even with a billionaire owner.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 4 | 431 ANSWERS Insider Hints Maple Leafs Division Rival Could Make Power Move for Mitch Marner Do you think the Ottawa Senators are looking to add Mitch Marner after their disappointing playoff run? | ||
| Yes | 205 | 47.6 % |
| No | 226 | 52.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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