Maple Leafs Rumors: Teams Around The League "Showing Interest In Marner & Tavares"

According to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, there's a palpable buzz across the NHL as teams show increasing interest in Mitch Marner and John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Marner, known for his electrifying speed and exceptional playmaking abilities, alongside Tavares, with his veteran leadership and consistent scoring, are seen as major assets to any team aiming to bolster its roster.

The duo's capability to significantly impact team dynamics has led to widespread speculation and discussions within league circles about potential acquisitions.

Love the quick hands and finish on this goal by Mitch Marner.
Marner is wide open on this play because Mason Marchment falls after trying to hit him lol. pic.twitter.com/mHo7v4UUdO

— Rink Rat Report (@RinkRatReport) February 8, 2024

Simmons points out the critical aspect of these trade considerations—the hefty $11 million contracts each player commands and what assets teams are willing to trade in return.

Tavares will be entering the final year of his $7-year, $77M contract ($11M AAV), signed back in 2018. Marner will also be entering the final year of his 6-year, $65.4M contract ($10.9M AAV), signed back in 2019, next season.

Despite the undeniable skill sets of Marner and Tavares, the challenge for potential suitors lies in matching their value, which complicates the negotiations. The Maple Leafs face the prospect of not receiving equivalent talent back, raising strategic decisions about whether to proceed with trades.

If I had a nickel for every time John Tavares ended a decade long drought with an OT winning goal against a Florida team, I would have two nickels which isn’t a lot but it’s absolutely insane that he’s done it twice.

He owns the fucking moment. pic.twitter.com/wwkUGPVJxx

— din (@klooowry) April 30, 2023

Regardless, the Maple Leafs would free up valuable cap space with a trade of either player, providing them more money to spend on other players in free agency.

As the offseason unfolds, the comparison of Marner and Tavares to playoff performers like Leon Draisaitl highlights a gap in postseason impact, further fueling the trade talks. While teams are eager to replicate Draisaitl's playoff success, they also ponder the ability of Marner and Tavares to elevate their game during critical playoff moments.

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports