Imagine how the recent Stanley Cup Playoffs might have unfolded differently had Mitch Marner been playing for the Vegas Golden Knights and Mikko Rantanen for the Toronto Maple Leafs. This captivating `what if` scenario was reportedly close to becoming reality through a significant trade proposal that ultimately failed to materialize.
According to a report by James Mirtle in The Athletic, discussions took place between the Maple Leafs, Golden Knights, and Carolina Hurricanes before the NHL trade deadline. The proposed three-way deal would have involved Marner moving to Vegas and Rantanen heading to Toronto. The complex transaction reportedly fell through because Vegas and Carolina could not align on the necessary assets to include to complete the exchange.
As part of this potential multi-team agreement, the Golden Knights would have needed to send assets to the Hurricanes. Given Marner`s substantial salary cap hit of $10.9 million, this package likely would have necessitated including at least one prominent player from Vegas`s roster.
This near-trade sparks fascinating speculation about alternative playoff paths. Would Marner`s offensive prowess have provided the Golden Knights enough firepower to mount a stronger challenge against the Edmonton Oilers in the second round? Conversely, could Mikko Rantanen`s blend of size and skill have given the Maple Leafs the critical edge they needed against the Florida Panthers? These hypothetical outcomes will undoubtedly remain subjects of discussion among fans of all involved teams.
With the intricate three-team deal not coming to fruition, Marner remained with the Maple Leafs. His current contract is set to expire, positioning him as a potential unrestricted free agent when the market opens on July 1st.
Once the free agency period begins at noon ET on July 1st, the Maple Leafs, Golden Knights, and Hurricanes could all potentially pursue Marner. While the optics might be challenging following Toronto`s playoff exit, retaining their core group for a few more seasons remains a possible strategy for the Maple Leafs.
The Golden Knights are clearly in a `win now` phase, and their recent playoff performance underscored a need for greater offensive dynamism. Marner, who ranks eighth in the NHL in points over the last four seasons, would be an excellent fit to address this requirement. However, Vegas faces significant salary cap constraints. Acquiring a player of Marner`s stature would certainly require them to move out a considerable amount of salary.
Similarly, the Carolina Hurricanes are seeking more offensive punch to overcome their playoff hurdles. Marner`s truly elite playmaking ability is precisely the kind of skill set Carolina has visibly lacked, especially when facing the top competitors in the Eastern Conference.
