Breaking: Maple Leafs Secure Trade Sending Mitch Marner to Utah in Exchange for Three Promising Players
In a surprising turn of events, the Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly reached an agreement to trade Mitch Marner, their $7.15 million superstar, in exchange for three impact players from the Utah team. This development comes amid ongoing trade rumors surrounding Marner, who has a full no-movement clause and would need to approve any trade.
Sportsnet radio host Sam McKee shared the details of the mock trade, highlighting the significant potential impact on both teams. Marner, who is entering the final year of his six-year, $65.4 million deal signed in 2019, would be traded to Utah for goaltender Connor Ingram, forward Clayton Keller, and winger Lawson Crouse.
The proposed package for Marner appears highly advantageous for the Maple Leafs. Connor Ingram, the first player in the deal, has two years remaining on his contract, with an annual salary of $1.95 million. Ingram posted a 23-21-3 record last season, along with a 2.91 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage.
Clayton Keller, the centerpiece of the trade, is a standout player for Utah. Drafted seventh overall in 2016, Keller scored 33 goals and added 43 assists for a total of 76 points in 78 games last season. He has four years left on his contract, which pays him $7.15 million annually.
The final player included in McKee’s mock trade is Lawson Crouse, a former first-round pick. Crouse tallied 23 goals and 19 assists for 42 points over 81 games last season and has three years remaining on his contract, worth $4.3 million per season.
Radio Host Advocates for the Trade
After McKee unveiled the mock trade, his co-host Justin Bourne expressed strong support for the deal, arguing that it would significantly benefit the Maple Leafs. Bourne emphasized that acquiring Ingram would provide a solid goaltending option to pair with Joseph Woll, while Keller would bring offensive prowess, and Crouse would add a much-needed physical presence.
“As the Leafs, I’m doing it because it solves a lot of problems. I think Ingram, along with Joseph Woll, could form a formidable goaltending duo. Keller brings scoring ability, and Crouse adds size and physicality, which the Leafs have lacked,” Bourne said. “For Utah, Marner could be the elite scorer they need to elevate their game.”
However, it remains uncertain whether Utah would be interested in this trade or if they view Marner as a fitting addition to their roster.
Possibility of Re-Signing Marner
Despite the trade rumors, there’s also a chance that the Maple Leafs may opt to re-sign Marner rather than trade him. TSN NHL insider Darren Dreger recently suggested that the Maple Leafs might prefer to extend Marner’s contract.
“Are we so sure Toronto doesn’t want to extend Mitch? I’m not. I think [GM Brad] Treliving would rather extend [Marner] than trade him. But it’s still early in the process,” Dreger commented.
Following Dreger’s remarks, former NHL player and “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast host Paul Bissonnette reported hearing that Toronto was considering an extension with Marner.
Last season, Marner recorded 26 goals and 59 assists for 85 points in 69 regular season games with the Maple Leafs. Whether he remains with the team or gets traded, his future continues to be a topic of significant interest.
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