One of the biggest names in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization would be a perfect piece for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins need a shake-up to their roster after missing a second straight playoffs. In his first summer with the Penguins, Kyle Dubas pulled off a blockbuster deal to acquire Erik Karlsson, but does he have another trick up his sleeve this offseason?

The Toronto Maple Leafs have started making significant organizational changes by firing head coach Sheldon Keefe. Now a free-agent coach, Keefe may find his way to the Penguins organization, and a big-name superstar could be be right behind him.

Mitch Marner may be hitting the trade block this offseason, and that’s the kind of player that could fit perfectly with the Penguins. There is obvious skill and playmaking ability that could benefit the Penguins, but Marner checks multiple boxes to be a solid addition.

The first one doesn’t even totally involve Marner, but how much he can help those around him. Marner would automatically slide into the Penguins' top six as a new winger for either Sidney Crosby or, more likely, Evgeni Malkin.

One thing that was certain during the 2023-24 season is that Malkin needs youth or a specific play style to succeed. When Malkin played with Valtteri Puustinen, there were flashes of success. When Michael Bunting showed up, Malkin suddenly saw massive improvements.

Giving Malkin a playmaker like Marner and a scrappy net-front presence like Bunting would open up more opportunities for success for Malkin in the final years of his career.

Marner also played a ton of time on the penalty kill with the Maple Leafs. A guy who can play both offense and defense is always accepted in the eyes of Mike Sullivan.

If the Maple Leafs decide to move on from Marner, they likely won't have much leverage in a trade. Marner carries a full no-move clause handcuffing the Maple Leafs to deal with teams only he approves of.

Not only are the Maple Leafs tied to that clause, but Marner is also heading into the final year of his contract. If a team is willing to take him on, they won't want to overpay for just a year of work. The Penguins don't have many assets to work with, so a lower price tag might make him affordable.

The Penguins are looking for certain aspects to bolster their lineup in 2024-25, and Marner might be the perfect option. With a formula of offensive and defensive skill paired with speed and youth, Marner checks all of the boxes.

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