Who Gets Traded First: Mitch Marner or William Nylander

Welcome to another edition of 'Who Gets Traded First' where we examine two similar players from across the NHL and decide which one is more likely to change teams first. While it's not always players from the same team, division or conference, we dig deep into two players who have similarities, be it age, production, career path or their situation on their current team.

Who Gets Traded First:

Mitch Marner or William Nylander from the Toronto Maple Leafs

ON THE SURFACE:

Both players are valuable assets for the Maple Leafs and are just now entering the prime of their careers. Marner and Nylander both play under a massive spotlight in Toronto and there's no doubt if you polled Leafs Nation, Nylander would be the pick to be shipped out first.

Marner makes almost $4 million more than Nylander ($10.893 vs $6.962) and is basically a full-year younger (23). Marner has tallied 291 points in 300 regular season games and 21 points in 25 playoff games, meanwhile Nylander has collected 221 points in 307 regular season games and 15 points in 25 playoff games.

Marner is signed through the 2024-25 season where he would then hold a no-move clause that kicks in before the 2023-24 season. He currently does not have any trade protection.

Nylander on the other hand, is signed through the 2023-24 season and before the last year of his contract he will submit a list of 10 teams he does not want to be traded too. He also currently has no trade protection.

SURVEY SAYS:

From all accounts speaking to a few personnel close to the Maple Leafs, the consensus is it's William Nylander by a landslide. One executive went as far to say:

The Leafs get frustrated with Nylander on a regular basis because of his inconsistency. Some nights he looks like the best player making under $7 million in the league or dominates a world championship tournament. Then other nights he's nowhere to be found and looks sluggish. Marner is the team's golden child and expect him to be the longest serving Leaf out of this core.

Maple Leafs general manager, Kyle Dubas wants his core to sacrifice more and display will and determination to win puck-battles on a nightly basis. This isn't something Nylander is known for, so the spotlight's going to be shining down a touch brighter this upcoming season.

The Leafs haven't won a playoff series in 15 years. If they get bounced again this season, there will be changes.