After the Predators trading Ryan McDonagh raised speculation about whether they could acquire Mitch Marner earlier this week, any team acquiring him is harder than it seems.
Earlier this week, the Nashville Predators fulfilled Ryan McDonagh's trade request, sending the veteran defenseman back to the Tampa Bay Lightning for two draft picks.
The move cleared McDonagh's $6.75-million cap hit off the Predators' books. PuckPedia indicates they have a projected $26 million in salary cap space for next season with 15 active roster players under contract.
In a statement, Predators GM Barry Trotz said the McDonagh trade added to their “already deep corps of draft picks over the next two years.” He also said it would allow his club to “make tweaks and improvements” during the off-season.
Following the trade, The Tennessean's Alex Daugherty asked Trotz if he intended to use the windfall to pursue a big-name player, such as Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner.
“I don't think Mitch is a free agent,” replied Trotz.
When Daugherty mentioned there were trade talks, the Predators GM replied that no one talked to him about Marner.
“I read the same stuff that you do,” he said. “Just rumors.”
Those trade rumors are based on speculation about Marner's future in Toronto following another early playoff exit by the Leafs. The 27-year-old winger has a year remaining on his contract and has become Leafs Nation's scapegoat for the club's woeful post-season record.
The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported no trade discussions occurred between the Leafs and Predators (or any other club) about Marner. He noted Leafs management was focused on finding a new coach. With Craig Berube hired earlier this week, they're now meeting with their scouts to prepare for the NHL draft next month in Las Vegas.
LeBrun also reminded everyone that Marner holds all the cards right now. He carries a full no-movement clause and hasn't been asked by the Leafs to a list of trade destinations.
All the conjecture over potential destinations for Marner originated from pundits spitballing about where he might go if he waived his NMC. Nashville and Tampa Bay were mentioned, along with Anaheim, Calgary, Chicago, Columbus, New York Islanders, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle and Utah.
Most of these teams either lack cap space to take on Marner's $10.9-million cap hit or the depth in draft picks, prospects and young players to make a competitive bid to the Leafs. For all we know, Marner could have no interest in joining any of those clubs.
As for what the Predators might do with their extra cap space, Nashville Hockey Now's Christopher Rydburg believes Trotz could use some of it to acquire a suitable replacement for McDonagh on their blueline.
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