Maple Leafs Could Target 2 Lightning Stars in Mitch Marner Trade
If the Lightning target Mitch Marner, the Maple Leafs could want one of these stars in return.
© Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports - Maple Leafs Could Target 2 Lightning Stars in Mitch Marner TradeToronto Maple Leafs superstar Mitch Marner is the biggest name in the rumor mill right now. With the Maple Leafs suffering another first-round exit and Marner struggling during the postseason, his future in Toronto has been questioned. Marner being in the final year of his deal has only heightened things on that front.
Due to this, several potential landing spots for Marner have been discussed. Interestingly, the Lightning are one of the clubs creating some buzz as a possible suitor for Marner.
In a recent article for The Athletic, Jonas Siegel mentioned the Lightning as a club that the Maple Leafs could consider making a Marner deal with. While these two teams are big-time rivals, Siegel believes the Lightning have two players who could intrigue the Maple Leafs.
First, Siegel brought up the prospect of the Maple Leafs targeting defenseman Mikhail Sergachev in a Marner move. There's no question that the Maple Leafs need to improve their blueline this offseason, and Sergachev would give them a top-pairing defenseman who can play both sides.
Siegel then discussed Lightning winger Brandon Hagel as another centerpiece option for the Maple Leafs if Sergachev was off the table. While Hagel is not a superstar like Marner, he would still be a great addition to the Maple Leafs' top six. In addition, as Siegel notes, he would give them far more grit to go along with his strong offensive production. In 82 games this season, he had 26 goals and 75 points.
While there is no question that landing Marner would be big for the Lightning, it would be surprising if he ended up in Tampa Bay. The Lightning are entering the summer with limited cap space and still need to re-sign captain Steven Stamkos. Marner also has a massive $10.903 million cap hit and is due for a raise soon, as he is entering the final year of his deal. It just feels like far too expensive and risky of an avenue for the Bolts right now, especially if it would mean moving one of Sergachev or Hagel.
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