A sign and trade deal in the works for Mitch Marner?!

Mitch Marner’s name has generated so much speculation lately, it feels like no one really knows where the pending free agent is going to sign once the market opens up on July 1st. Marner, who recorded 27 goals and a career-high 102 points in 81 games with the Maple Leafs this past season, played out the last of a of a six-year, $65.41 million contract that carried an annual cap hit of $10.9 million. The expectation is that Marner could sign a new deal with as much as a $14 million AAV, though other reports have recenlty emerged with one from Nick Kypreos saying how the Toronto Maple Leafs could get involved in a sign and trade deal. He writes:

“It’s not out of the question that Marner could still seek maximum term and this is where a sign and trade could get interesting for everyone involved. For Toronto, allowing a sign and trade might be the best resolution of all. Dealing Marner would ensure they get something back for losing him, and doing so with a contract in place would bring a return that’s far more enticing and impactful than simply trading his negotiating rights. They might be able to bring in a roster player to replace him with.

“For an acquiring team, this could also make the most sense. For one, they’d be getting him before the market opens, thus avoiding any bidding war and the uncertainty that brings. For another, a sign and trade would be the only way a new team could get Marner for eight years since Toronto would “sign” him to the contract before July 1 and then trade him. That’s key because a lot of these Cup contenders would be bumping up to the cap after signing Marner, and an eighth season would be one way for them to bring down the AAV. Every little bit counts.”

The Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings and Ottawa Senators have been linked to Marner in past weeks. Could they lock up a deal to get a sign and trade with one of these clubs? As for Marner re-signing in Toronto, that likelihood seems to diminish by the day.

And the clock is ticking…