NHL Rumor Mill – June 13, 2024
Patrik Laine and the Blue Jackets are working on a trade, plus updates on Jacob Markstrom, Mitch Marner, Nikolaj Ehlers, Martin Necas, Valeri Nichushkin and more in today’s NHL Rumor Roundup.
LAINE AND THE BLUE JACKETS ARE WORKING ON A TRADE
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there is a mutual agreement between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Patrik Laine that he needs a fresh start with a new team. The 26-year-old winger has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $8.7 million and a 10-team no-trade list.
Injuries have hampered Laine’s production since joining the Blue Jackets in 2021. He also entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in January. While those factors could affect his value in the trade market, he could also bounce back and regain his scoring form with a new club.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interested clubs could insist on the Blue Jackets retaining part of Laine’s cap hit. However, only two years remain on his contract, so that might not be a deal breaker for teams with cap space seeking additional scoring. The Jackets won’t get much in return but clearing his cap hit from their books frees up money to invest in other players through trades or free agency.
THE LATEST ON MARKSTROM, MARNER, EHLERS AND NECAS
TSN: Chris Johnston feels the Calgary Flames are at a point where they want a certain return for Jacob Markstrom. He thinks the New Jersey Devils are the most motivated to get a trade done but they’re only going to go so far in terms of return. Markstrom has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $6 million and a full no-movement clause.
CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson reports the Flames are quietly trying to move Markstrom. He cited Kevin Woodley of Sportsnet’s 960 The Fan expressing his belief that Markstrom has no intention of returning to the Flames.
Gilbertson noted reports claiming the Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators have been linked to Markstrom. However, he doesn’t think Flames general manager Craig Conroy will rush into trading the 34-year-old goalie if he doesn’t find any suitable offers.
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying he believes the Flames haven’t given up on retaining Markstrom. He said they’re prepared to trade him but won’t do it simply for the sake of making a trade.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Markstrom is difficult to move because of his NMC and cap hit. The Flames will understandably seek the best possible return. Nevertheless, there seems a greater possibility of moving him now than there was leading up to the trade deadline. We’ll find out soon enough if that’s the case.
TSN: Darren Dreger reports the trade rumors keep swirling around Mitch Marner but there’s been nothing new to report about the 27-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs winger. He continues to train and prepare to return with the Leafs for the final season of his contract.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller cited Sporstnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently suggesting the Vegas Golden Knights as a destination for Marner. Friedman pointed out the Golden Knights always seem to be around any good player in the trade market. He said he’s had people suggesting trade offers for Marner involving defenseman Shea Theodore and Logan Thompson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leafs management appears willing to listen to offers but those could be few and far between this summer. Marner carries an AAV of $10.9 million which is difficult to move even with the salary cap rising by $4.5 million for next season. His full NMC gives him complete control over whether he’ll accept a trade, plus the Leafs will seek a significant return. It wouldn’t be surprising if he’s still a Leaf when the regular season begins in October.
TSN: Dreger also mentioned the Winnipeg Jets are willing to entertain offers for Nikolaj Ehlers. He’s going into the final year of his contract (with an AAV of $6 million). It’s more of a financial issue for the Jets, as they’re looking ahead to re-signing winger Kyle Connor. He has two years left on his contract and will be expensive to retain.
WINNIPEG SUN: Scott Billeck mentioned trading Ehlers as one way the Jets could garner some salary-cap relief to re-sign RFAs Cole Perfetti, David Gustafsson and Logan Stanley, and attempt to re-sign pending UFAs Sean Monahan and Dylan DeMelo.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dreger mentioned Ehlers is tied to the Carolina Hurricanes as they’re looking at trading winger Martin Necas.
THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun said the Hurricanes have heard from five to seven teams expressing general interest in Necas. They include the Jets, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, and Boston Bruins.
The Hurricanes are also prepared to retain Necas if they don’t receive suitable offers. He’s a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights coming off a two-year contract with an annual cap hit of $3 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes reportedly want “star power” in return. That could take most of the team mentioned by LeBrun out of the running.
BLACKHAWKS ARE NOT INTERESTED IN NICHUSHKIN
THE ATHLETIC: LeBrun reported there was a rumor that the Chicago Blackhawks considered taking a look at suspended Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin. However, he said they were not interested. “Just too much unknown and risk for their liking.”
LATEST ON THE SENATORS
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Senators GM Steve Staios is listening to offers for his club’s first-round pick (seventh overall) in the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft (June 28-29) in Las Vegas. The club has two first-rounders in this year’s draft, including the 25th overall that originally belonged to the Boston Bruins.
Markstrom should not make Flames main camp.
Canes need a goalie but I think it will end up NJD
Not sure why the Kings are not prevalent. Can you make a save Dave and Copley doesn’t inspire much confidence .
Laine pattern- preseason and first handful of games world beater. Then gets hurt misses 20. Comes back for a handful and then misses another 20. Finish the season strong when it doesn’t matter and improve the stats . Big man made of peanut brittle who has issues. No thanks unless pennies on the dollar.
In addition to reporting that Staios is listening to offers on the 7th pick, he also reports that senior vice-president Dave Poulin speculates that part of that “listening” could involve a deal for a player they could use NOW by changing draft positions, thereby keeping their two 1st round picks.
I was also pleased to see that, also in Garrioch’s column this morning, my recently posted thoughts on the goalie situation more or less aligns with their thinking.
Garrioch writes “Speaking at the club’s first Spring Summit for season-ticket holders Wednesday night at the Canadian Tire Centre with president Cyril Leeder, ,,, Poulin said neither Joonas Korpisalo nor Anton Forsberg was pleased with the way they played last season.
“We’re not happy with the goaltending tandem, but I don’t think the goaltending tandem was happy with the goaltending tandem,” Poulin said. “If you talk to both guys, and we have, they weren’t pleased with their season. They weren’t pleased with it numerically, statistically or from an analytics standpoint.
“We take it a step further, where the goals are scored, breakdowns on the ice, cross-ice passes, where the shots are coming from and the quality of chances. We didn’t help our goalies very much. We’ve studied from every detail possible. We have to improve our goaltending situation. Can that come from the two goaltenders we have? It can, but that’s still to be determined.
“We’ve chatted with people around the league who are in different situations. One thing with Joonas Korpisalo, you have to look at some off-ice factors as well. It was his first-long term contract, he came in, he had a new baby and, quite frankly, the defence in front of him wasn’t as good as it was in L.A. He played so well for them down the stretch. There’s a lot of different factors and we’re still working hard on it.”
Friedman has a habit of “just throwing this out there “ or “this makes sense”.
Apparently not based on anything, but then others cite to him as if legitimate.
Totally agree. Never anything original from Freidman.
Friedman is the best at throwing s#it to the wall and making it stick to the point others quote him. His “what I’m hearing” is such a red flag for BS coming your way.
Dreger is another but when he throws s#it to the wall, he’s not as good as Friedman at disguising it as legit.
Unless names are named, rumors are for the most part, as valid as anything Pengy says.
George..
Well anybody is more legitimate than that fat ass, blowhard Frank Seravelli…what a joke !!
This dude is 36, OMG he has a gobble, a double chin, and all white hair, he is a cow, please hit the gym bro and shut up while your at it.
I think Bob McKenzie/Elliot Friedman and Darren Dreiger are the most reliable insiders.
He speaks well of you …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Seravalli
Who is going to want Laine at 50% let’s say and his injury and attitude (towards working hard) unless you are a team needing to hit cap floor.
Such a shame for someone gifted and then getting drafted #2 overall – he’s been a huge disappointment.
Marner will play final season in Toronto IMO. He either accepts less to remain a Leaf or goes to market.
I am not convinced either way is the right move. He holds the cards, suggest we all move on from him.
Leafs need 2 solid, reliable D and a goalie to support Woll.
I would avoid Markstrom that’s a concern age and injury. Not sold on Brossoit either.
If Samsonov would take 2 mil, 1 year to return you then can address this at the trade deadline.
Samsonov at 27 still has value, we are not talking about Leafs not making playoffs.
You get the two stud D, goaltending will be fine.
If I am GM, give Sammy a 2 mil offer – take it or leave it.
Target in this order – Montour, Pesce, Zadorov (like too much), Chatfield (huge upside)
Leave Tanev alone – another caution player in playoffs
Finally, offer Domi and Bertuzzi matching 3 year contracts (Domi 4 Mil and Bertuzzi 5Mil – if he agrees to two years go 6Mil)
Give Dewar, Gregor 1-2 year terms 1-2 mil each – Dewar may want more.
See what the market is for Robertson to land a #2 Centre.
If money left (which I doubt) for Stephenson or Wennberg (sleeper here).
Go for the home run if you do not sign Bertuzzi and see what a Necas would cost you.
Leaves you with this lineup:
Bertuzzi/Matthews/Domi
Knies/Stephensen/Marner (insert Necas at C – if the swing is made)
McMann/Tavares/Jarnkrok
Gregor/Kampf/Reaves
Rielly/Montour
McCabe/Pesce
Benoit/Zadorov
Woll
Sammy
Does fine in Season, again G move to be made towards playoffs.
Yeah. Truly a disappointment for being injured, having his parent/best friend pass away and seeking assistance for personal issues from the Player’s assistance Program. What was he thinking?
Some Old Guy, if you put aside his bad attitude toward his team, coach, teamates and his lack of efforts, yes, you’re right, we should’nt put down a guy who was injured and seek assistance.
Pat, a “bad attitude” towards others is often a side effect of mental and emotional issues. So, they are not to be “put aside”. I’m mostly sure (I can’t be certain as I’m not involved in his treatment) they are things that would be worked on as part of whatever treatment plan/program he is a part of.
On Patrik Laine, you have to consider that his injury history was a big factor regarding his falloff from his potential and appearing to not be working hard. If he would agree to a trade to the Buffalo Sabres, and the return is good for the trade, it could make sense for both teams. Sabres need size and more scoring, and a return to scoring by Laine would fill that. With Ruff as coach, he will work hard or he will be seeing games sitting in the stands.
So you are trading Nylander?
Oops ok he can try out for the top 2 lines lol!!!!
Laine was dealing with injury issues; mental health issues and personal issues
I have confidence that the time off has done at least a very fair job at healing him physically
He’s in the player assistance program for mental health issues
He voluntarily enrolled. This leads me to favour the thought that he is dedicated to working through the program with a sense of a positive outcome from it
There is no denying his natural talent
Physically healthy AND in a new location; should have an uptick in performance (and perhaps quite a large uptick)
Jackets are effectively being pressured to move him; so would be selling low
Receiving team has a relative low risk (worst case, he comes back physically healthy but performs like a depth 14th Fwd and is waived and buried; that’s a very low probability; nigh zero probability)
Next worst case, he plays healthy but at 1/2 his cap hit. But that’s inly for twi years.
On the upside; the trade advantage is not with Jackets and for sure receiving team wins trade as at now (pre 24/25 season) in that they’ll get him for low assets with Cap retained or at/near full cap for dumped assets (underperforming players)
Financially Jackets are a lower cash budget team; and Laine is still owed $18.2 M including a $2M signing bonus due in less than 3 weeks
Some smart GM should make a lowball offer
Intra-Divisional trades are rare but do happen (look no further than Guentzel)
Dubas has lost every trade and every acquisition deal as the Pens GM
He’s due for a win
We’re due for a win
Our owners have deep pockets
Take Laine at full tilt pre July 1st (signing bonus)
For Eller, Accairi, Smith, Gruden
Jackets save $7.4 M in cash; move on from a player they’ve already decided to move on from; net 4 players for 1 (who is currently on LTIR)
Pens have instant top 6 boost and net $800 K in Cap; get bigger; younger; and rid under-performers Accairi; Smith, Eller; at the expense of one prospect (Gruden)
Crosby Laine Rackell
Malkin Rust Bunting
RFA/UFA Center (mid late 20’s; strong and taller than 6’1”, and over 205); O’Connor, Poulin
That’s s good top 9. Way better than they ended the season with
Dubas; you’ve lost every move you’ve done for us so far. And lost it very badly. Very badly.
Odds say you are due
Make the call
So what am I missing in regards to Marner? Don’t he and Tavares both become UFA’s in 2025?
Why wouldn’t they let this coming year play out and just try to find some goal tending, and then let Tavares test the waters in free agency? That way he comes off the books, and the Leafs have plenty of money to sign the better and younger player.
I agree….keep Mitch, let JT walk in 2025 if need be. Seems like a no brainer to me.
I do have a question though : if Toronto were to sign Marner to an extension effective 7/1/25 at some level of pay raise, would thatnew salary get averaged with his current pay and raise the cap hit for the 24/25 season ?
No.
Marner is already way overpaid and has been since the last contract…he is a cream puff but hope the leafs sign him for 8 years at 15m
Don O Ray, Marner is, first and foremost, a playmaker … one of the best in the league today.
That’s reflected in his stats which shows 576 gp 194g 445a 639 pts, which work out to 82-game averages of 28g 63a 91 pts.
In 57 playoff games he has almost a point per game – 11g 39a 50 pts.
Was he supposed to be “magnanimous for the team” when he and his agent negotiated his current deal and say “no, pay me a lot less and let’s spend the extra on supporting players?”
If, when he becomes a UFA – wherever he may be at the time – and asks for something north of $12 mil – as is being speculated in here – teams only need to say “no – here’s what we’re offering – take it or leave it” … but do you really think that will be the case?
Couldn’t the Canadiens reach out for Laine? He seems like the reclamation projects they’ve been fond of trading for, albeit a few years older. They need scoring.
He’s 26 so he is in the age range they are looking for. In order for the Habs to trade for him a contract would have to go back the other way maybe Price. After his 5 mil bonus is paid on July 1st he will be owed 9 mil in salary and I’m not sure what, if any is insured.
Yes, Premier, it’s all insured and doesn’t count on the salary cap amount. Laine’s salary will. Next year, MTL will need to replace Savard, Dvorak, Armia, Pezzeta and resign with substantial salary raise Slaf, Guhle, Primeau, Evans and Pinard. I don’t think Hugues will take that chance just by tradind Price for Laine.
I think Laine’s value is very down. But I don’t think Columbus would be willing to take back literally nothing. Price is literally nothing.
Not even sure how to value Laine at the moment. He’s a short term but expensive risk. But I’m positive they could do better than Price.
Where is Ray Bark and his words of wisdom?
Nav D, not sure if that was:
A – a well placed chirp
B – you actually wanted my opinion on Laine to MTL?
A – well done.
B – MTL doesn’t seem like a fit from where I’m sitting. Too soon to add a guy like Laine. Be patient wait for the right guy, pounce then. 2 years from now.
Risky pickup, means discounted price.
Just to throw a dart – Washington can’t score, still have Ovie so decide to give it a go.
Laine to Caps for 2 2nds, CLB eats $2M. Yes 2 shoot first guys, but should add some O, play them on different lines. Laine at the bumper on the PP, big with good hands and vision.
CLB dumps the salary.
A scenario like that maybe. The more $ CLB eats better the return.
Maybe an actual contender does it? Seems like too much of a long shot.
I dunno, but I wouldn’t spend much if I was a GM.
unrelated here, but why is Darren Dreger considered an insider, provides literally zero information on anything besides stating the obvious. I havent seen a scoop in years.
Given his profession it’s safe to assume that he has vastly more access to team officials than any of us will ever hope to have … and that alone makes him an “insider.”
As for “scoops” name the last one to qualify for that description.
I would put Chris Johnston, Seravalli and Lebrun as guys who have broke more than their fair share.
Lol so having more info than me makes him an insider, really, its his job. Heck he wont even give an opinion these days for fear of being wrong.
Merriam-Webster: An insider is someone who is involved in a situation and who knows more about it than other people.
When was the last time me – you – or anyone else in here sat down and pumped a willing team official for some juicy inside information? I know I haven’t. and I’m just as certain that Dreger has had that access and tried. As for LeBrun and the others, name the last genuine “scoop” and who was involved in terms of players.
I think some folks on here have their expectation set a little high for the “insiders”.
The only “scoops” are the same day the trade actually goes down, like a hour before, because the deal has already been agreed to. No GM’s talk, maybe an agent if they have motive.
Don’t blame Friedman, blame guys like us. We ask for it, he feeds us.
I agree he can talk for 5 minutes and there’s no context to what he’s saying, he just puts stuff out there to get his name out there
Pat it does count towards the cap but they get the LTIR cap relief once the season starts. Its been reported that Montreal wants to trade his contract so they can have the cap relief up front. Montreal currently has 9.4 in cap space, including Price in the trade they would have 11.2 to work with.
Captain Obvious, there would be more then Price going to CBJ but like you what? Montreal has the 26th pick is that to much or do they include one of their Dmen instead of thedraft pick? With Price they will be saving at least 9 mil in salary or more if its insured.
Of the names being linked to the Habs (Zegras, Necas, Ehlers) I think i’d prefer they went after Laine. He should be cheaper to acquire (based on the rumored costs) and the Habs have the benefit of being able to take on his full cap hit which might make a big difference to Columbus.
The issue would be if CBJ would be willing to take back a Josh Anderson or Dvorak contract in return to make it work. Also if Laine has Montreal on his No Trade List.
I’ve been a Patrik Laine fan from the day he was drafted and his post draft interview.
He was a fun loving kid that wanted to play hockey.
he started to complain about his linemates and thought he should be on the first line.
Laine shot is so lethal reminds me alot a lot like Ovie shot, you know it’s coming but still can’t stop it.
When Patrick father died in 2023, Patrick said he lost his best friend.
Laine hasn’t played a full season since 2018 – 2109 and last season just 18 games.
As much as i like the player, i don’t see Columbus getting much of a return. I think the return will be based on how much they retain.
Laine can still score in his 2 previous season he scored 22 and 26 goals in 55 and 56 games played. This season was 6 in 18.
Acquiring Laine isn’t that huge of a gamble salary wise because he only has two years remaining, you could be potentially getting a 40 goal scorer at minimum you’re getting a 20 goal scorer.
I hope Laine is in a good place and can move forward. If you can get Columbus to eat $2m I would gamble on Patrik Laine.
That’s the comment I was watching for.
Thanks for confirming my thoughts, Caper.
I think he’d work in Boston. Not sure what the ask from the Jackets would be though, because they have a slew of A prospects and kids with size both on the front and back end.
Ullmark?
What’s Laine like when he’s not scoring goals? This is important. His shot is a tool in his tool box; does he have any other tools deemed valuable or is he a one trick pony that hurts his teams more than helps?
He sure isnt very good playing in his own end, kind of like a poor mans Ovie, at least he tackles
Re; Pat Laine
At $8.7M…for 2 more years, CBJ are going to have to hold back 40% of his salary to move him….
not including last season as he only played 18 games, Laine has on average scored 19-20 goals for CBJ over the first 3 season playing there…
he is a gamble…..⁉️
Laine will only get traded for another bad contract, no change will trade top prospects or picks for him and his contract, after his recent off-ice issues and loss of confidence.
I’m thinking to DET for Ville Husso, CGY for Huberdeau, EDM for Evander Kane, MTL for Josh Anderson, to NYI for JG Pageau, or to CHI/SJ/UT for basically nothing (so they can get to the salary floor)
didn’t mention LA for PLD because I highly doubt Columbus wants to bring him back
If CBJ retained 2m, a trade with Vancouver would be interesting with Mikheyev going the other way
8.7 mil without any retention is a pretty big cap hit for a 20 goal scorer!
No trade/movement agreements need to be addressed in the next collective agreement. This puts many of the teams at a disadvantage. It also makes the NHL boring.
To continue my rant lol if a player requests a trade the team should have the option to terminate his contract if a suitable trade can’t be worked out. Laine has done nothing for Columbus but still wants his $18M. He should bet on himself and agree to terminate his contract and go an prove/earn another big payday. Players have to much power.
Thats a tough one, players negotiate those NMCs in lieu of cash. As in they will take less to have their young families stay in one city..Additionally, player signs a lesser deal in a lower tax bracket market and gets dealt to a higher tax bracket destination, they lose money…
its on the owners to ensure their GMs dont give them out…less desirable places have to use those to get those players to sign there
The original thought was to use Ehlers to bring in a top four defenceman. If Monahan leaves, the Jets would be better served going after Necas. Ehlers had a good year and was a dangerous player for the Jets but he is expendable and provides value for a trade. He is an exciting player to watch.
Patrick Laine:
20/21 wpg/clb 46gp 12g 12a 24pts
21/22 clb 56gp 26g 30a 56pts
22/23 clb 55gp 22g 30a 52pts
23/24 clb 18gp 6g 3a 9pts
Leaving the Jets season out where he scored 36, 44, 30 and 28 goals.
Patrick is know for his shot, what isn’t appreciated is his passing which is also very good at.
In 21/22 season he was a point per game player he was on pace for 38goals and 82pts
In 22/23 season he was just below a point per game.
On a two year contract and say Columbus retaining $2m. Laine is most definitely worth the gamble.
He can come to Boston!
Here is my new lineup: You won’t like it.
Marchand PLD Pastrnak
Bertuzzi/Mantha Poitras Laine
Frederick Coyle Geekie
Boqvist Beecher Brazeau
Lindholm McAvoy
Lohrei Carlo
Thug Peeke
Swayman
Bussi
Interesting lineup Caper.
So are we trading Ullmark and Zacha for PLD?
We getting a pick or prospect back as well?
This Thug fella sounds like he has potential.
Don’t hate it. Poitras isn’t ready for 2 nd line C IMO, so keep Zacha, add something to Ullamark in the PLD deal. I assume LA won’t panic and just give him away for Ullmark without an extension.
Workable if LA is willing to chat.
Ullmark for PLD as a base for a trade is a great idea for both teams needs
BOS not signing Debrusk and using that cap space to bring in a top 6 center is a good move
I like
So very tired of the Marner rumours. They are not legit, just click-bait really.
No way Marner considers a trade this summer, and no way the Leafs get maximum return without an extension in place. Treliving and other GMs are not going to see that change this summer.
Markstrom is a possibility for a trade, but unless Calgary is looking for a high draft pick and or blue chip prospect from a team with a ton of cap-space, I can’t see it working out.
What rumours Dave, there hasn`t been one yet. Just a bunch of people guessing what might happen. So you`re just tired of other peoples guesses. Nobody knows for sure what will happen, probably not even Treliving at this point. The only thing we know for sure is Toronto wants to make a change and need to make a change. But, I`d love to hear all these rumours, Treliving would probably love to hear them. Besides, if people weren`t talking about Marner, then they would just talk about another player, that`s what these sites are all about
Laine will get over his loss. It never goes away but gets easier as time moves on. My issue with the player is he is big heavy winger that is made of glass. Goal scores are streaky what does he bring if the puck is not finding the net ? Not much . Not my image of a Bruin.
He will find a home based on potential. In theory has 10 years remaining.
“ A one is never done”
how about a laine and kent johnson trade no retention for ott 7th pick maybe cbj could throw in a 3rd or 4th rounded if need be.
How about
To Carolina : Marner
To TML : KK a mil retained and picks/assets
To CMB: picks/assets from Marner trade
To TML: Laine
Nylander can play with matthews and knies
Tavares with Robertson and Laine
Kk domi and Bertuzzi line 3
Kotkaniemi and Laine for Marner?
A failed 2nd overall pick and a failed 3rd overall pick for a star 4th overall pick?
Eating too many gummies I think!
To Hurricanes: Marner
To Leafs: Necas, 2024 – 1st (#27) with Kotkaniemi’s onerous $4.8M x 6 years, contract thrown in to help with the cap.
lol ihatecrosby it’s like you have your finger on the pulse of Leafs hockey. Wow you’ve got one wild idea of what’s good and works.
Re Marner
First of all, just a transparency reminder; I do not like the Leafs at all and hope any moves they make fail, and fail miserably.
That out of the way
Marner has full NMC. He’s in control
He was drafted by Toronto; grew up close to Toronto (? I think?) ; wants to stay
Financially he will want to maximize his next contract. That contract will come (very likely) as a UFA, in the summer of ‘25
Performance dictates contract amounts.
Not a chance he waives to go to a lower team that is “re-building”. His numbers will plummet; his next contract lower than anticipated
Most of the teams that have the space for him in 2024/25; fall into that category of teams
Teams outside of Toronto; where he would have close to equal performance numbers (to being in Toronto) are very very few; and how many have space?
His best bet (on himself) is to stay with the team and teammates he knows; perform as he has shown he can (great playmaker; PPG+) and get the best contract he can for 25/26 onward (this could be with Leafs; unlikely as at now; but not unheard of)
He should be in no rush now
He could choose to waive at trade deadline if Leafs somehow are out of it (unlikely)
In a nutshell; he calls all the shots re any trade; what is his motivation to move on now?
No way he gets traded to either Panther’s or Oilers
Very very unlikely to Rangers or Dallas;
That’s this year’s final 4
My wish (which as you will see below won’t ever happen):
Marner at 50% for Accairi Eller Smith Graves Nietto and 2 3rds ….🤣
i think it would depend on the picks and assets otherwise sounds ok