Leafs face odd issue with potential Marleau trade…

Patrick Marleau quickly became a fan favourite in Toronto when he signed with the Maple Leafs back in 2017. The veteran forward is the father figure of the team, mentoring young players like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, who simply cannot imagine playing without their dad on the ice. 

However, some insiders believe the Maple Leafs might be looking into moving Marleau in order to get younger players under contract without dealing with their limited cap space. 

The Maple Leafs have over $74.2 million invested in 17 players for 2019-20, which means they have less than $9 million to work with should the salary cap reach the projected $83 million. And of course, the main priority is to re-sign Marner. 

Marleau could end up being let go to make room in the Leafs’ wallet. However, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman pointed out an important obstacle in the veteran’s contract, one that will make fans and Leafs players happy to know the team might need to hold on to him. 

Friedman points out that his signing bonus is paid in two instalments (July and December), which “adds a wrinkle” to any possible trade. He points out Marleau still controls his future, which will delight guys like Matthews and Marner. 

Marleau has a full no-movement clause, however, a potential trade could still happen if a team would be willing to grab him off the Leafs after July 1st, once the first instalment of his signing bonus is paid. 

However, that team would still need Marleau’s blessings… and could get a lot of heat from his teammates and fans.