All reputable insiders seem to agree on one point: if the Leafs are eliminated in the first round against the Boston Bruins tonight, there will be a monstrous transaction.
It's almost impossible that Auston Matthews would be traded, John Tavares doesn't have enough value, and William Nylander is probably their only player who really steps up in the playoffs. (the fans love him)
That leaves Mitch Marner, who is possibly one of the 5 or 8 best wingers in the world.
It's a possibility that was raised last night on TVA Sports.
Marinaro would not give up Kaiden Guhle in exchange for Mitch Marner. Wow.
Honestly, I completely understand Tony's point.
It's hard to argue against the decision to keep a solid defender like Guhle.
But Mitch Marner is quite a hockey player, and especially here, you'd be trading a defenseman (a surplus) for a forward (a need). Guhle is left-handed as well.
Marner, 26, has produced at rates of 101, 101, 110, 100, 93, and 94 points over the last six seasons. That's extremely solid.
He is also much more defensively responsible than one might think.
Mitch Marner has 639 points in 576 regular season NHL games, and also 50 points in 55 playoff games.
Last year, he had collected 14 points in 11 playoff games.
As for Kaiden Guhle, a 22-year-old left-handed defenseman, he has a certain injury history. He has amassed 40 points in 114 career NHL games.
And you, would you make this trade?
POLL | ||
AVRIL 30 | 778 ANSWERS Massive trade proposal emerges that would send Marner to Montreal Would you trade Kaiden Guhle for Mitch Marner? | ||
Yes | 233 | 29.9 % |
No | 545 | 70.1 % |
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