It seems as though a shakeup behind the bench is not going to be enough to satisfy fans this off season. Another lacklustre playoff performance from Mitch Marner has placed the collective crosshairs of Leafs Nation on him, and it seems like there may be a chance the Leafs' homegrown superstar actually waives his no-trade clause in favour of a fresh start in a city with a slightly smaller spotlight.
The Blackhawks make almost too much sense as a trade partner if Marner and the Leafs do decide to part ways. They have a plethora of picks and prospects available, including five picks in the first round over the next three drafts. They also have some enticing prospects, including Kevin Korchinski and Frank Nazar, who could sweeten the pot.
Marner would be a huge get for the Hawks as a premier setup man for budding superstar Connor Bedard. It's already been rumoured that the Leafs may have interest in Blackhawks defender Seth Jones, so could a deal be built around a Marner/Jones++ swap? I can definitely see it as a possibility as long as the Hawks are willing to add pieces, significant ones at that. Any deal to send Mitch to the Windy City would have to blow Leafs management away.
For Marner, the opportunity to play with Bedard on an original six team in an iconic city without the hyper fixated spotlight in Toronto? It may just be worth waiving his NMC for.
POLL | ||
26 MAI | 552 ANSWERS One team stands out as best possible Mitch Marner trade destination Would you consider a deal built around Marner for Seth Jones++? | ||
No, it makes the team worse | 267 | 48.4 % |
Yes, we need a star defenceman | 73 | 13.2 % |
Depends on the picks and prospects added | 212 | 38.4 % |
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