Following the media availability of Kyle Dubas this week, analysts, scribes, followers, and insiders are attempting to learn between each line and dissect each phrase the present GM mentioned, considering he may need revealed one thing about his plans if he have been to return subsequent season to run the present.
Among them, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic wrote in a latest column that if the Toronto Maple Leafs select to retain Dubas, or he elects to return again following a “very taxing” yr on his household, it’s potential Dubas is extra open than he’s ever been with regards to the concept of buying and selling one in every of his “core four.” Specifically, LeBrun appears to suppose Mitch Marner is the more than likely casualty or commerce piece used to retool the roster.
Citing the feedback Dubas made in regards to the calculated commerce by the Florida Panthers to accumulate Matthew Tkachuk from the Calgary Flames, LeBrun urged that Marner is the most effective corresponding to that sort of commerce. Marner is probably going the simplest of all of the forwards to maneuver due to his contract and what number of groups might be if he hits the market. From there, he believes the Maple Leafs would be capable of garner the very best return in a deal that groups would leap at.
Obviously, if Toronto made Auston Matthews out there, there could be groups transferring heaven and earth to search out the items wanted to accumulate him, however there could be fewer golf equipment with the wherewithal to make that deal work, then doubtlessly pay Matthews what he’ll command on the open market. Not solely that, however LeBrun writes, “I think Auston Matthews is probably off the table.” Calling him a top-five participant in the world, he provides, “The Leafs will focus 100 percent on signing him to an extension, and No. 34 made it clear in his end-of-season media availability that he wants to sign and stay (although the price point on said extension remains an interesting conversation to be had).”
John Tavares has a no-move clause and has completely no want to waive it to go elsewhere. He’s prepared to maneuver round and change positions versus agreeing to a commerce. Even if he have been to agree, there are a selection of groups that will balk on the thought of buying and selling for his contract.
He additionally writes, “Nylander is a possibility, but the fact that he has just one year left on his contract creates the complication of having to trade him with an extension done to maximize trade value.” Any deal would probably embrace Nylander and his agent speaking to the workforce he’d be going to and figuring out an extension. If that’s not on the desk, the buying workforce would severely restrict what they’d supply in return.
That leaves Marner.
What Would the Maple Leafs Get in Return?
LeBrun calls a Marner deal the cleanest of all potential “core four” trades. There’s no want to right away work out an extension, the participant has respectable worth, and his no-move doesn’t kick in till July 1. LeBrun then wonders what the return could be.
But what would entice the Leafs to maneuver a participant of Marner’s immense expertise? What wouldn’t it take for them to contemplate it a franchise-forwarding deal? To me, that’s a deal that has to not less than web a top-pairing defenseman.
As for who the Leafs would possibly goal, that’s unclear. One factor LeBrun did notice was that no person noticed the Florida and Calgary deal coming, in order that leaves open the potential of nearly something.
Next: Latest on Rumors of a GM Change for the Edmonton Oilers
