Rumor: Maple Leafs weighing trade options for Mitch Marner, 3 possible destinations

Mitch Marner's camp was not satisfied with the Maple Leafs offer of $11 million over 7 years back in July and they haven't been in the same ball park ever since. As October approaches, the likelihood of a trade involving Marner increases, as Leafs management doesn't want another player sitting out to start the year.

The Maple Leafs only have one defenseman signed past this season with potential captain Morgan Rielly under contract. According to sources the Maple Leafs have had internal discussions on a dooms day trade, and the following names have been circled:

Seth Jones of the Columbus Blue Jackets. CBJ GM, Jarmo Kekalainen is not shy of a bold move and the Blue Jackets could use a superstar forward to build their new team around, Marner would fit perfectly. The Leafs would end up with a 24 year old defenseman, with 3 years left on his deal at $5.4 million. Jones has zero trade protection, which also plays a huge factor here. His 20 points in 27 playoff games appeals to Kyle Dubas. 

The Dallas Stars' John Klingberg. The Maple Leafs would add another top-2 D for this season and the 27 year old Swede is also under contract for a few more seasons at a valued $4.25 million. Adding someone like backup goalie Anton Khudobin would make the money work, and be of interest to the Maple Leafs. The cap relieve next season should not be undervalued as well. Klingberg would compliment Tyson Barrie nicely this season and serve as a perfect mentor to prospect Timothy Liljegren. The Stars, in turn, would have a scary top-6 and a back end built around Esa Lindell. 

Lastly the Maple Leafs have their eyes on the west coast and more specifically in the direction of Hampus Lindholm of the Anaheim Ducks. With a reasonable cap hit of $5.25 million over the next 3 seasons, and 55 playoff games under his belt, the 6'3 smooth-skating Swede would be a significant addition to the Leafs blue line. Now and for the future. Another piece would likely move with Lindholm, names like Max Jones or Sam Steel would be asked for. 

Marner on the other hand would replace Corey Perry on Ryan Getzlaf's wing and be the perfect budding star to take the torch from 'Getzy' once it's time. Paul Marner would get to soak in the sun of California with this move, everybody wins. 

Leafs management has made it clear they want Mitch Marner to be in Toronto a long time. Unfortunately, for Leafs Nation, the Marner camp may give the team no choice but to move him.