An NHL expert proposed a controversial transaction in which Mikko Rantanen would be acquired for Mitch Marner. Should it be the Avalanche or the Leafs?
This past week, Ezoic NHL analyst Anson Carter sparked debate by proposing a divisive trade proposal. He proposed a possible blockbuster trade between the Colorado Avalanche and the Toronto Maple Leafs, involving the exchange of Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner, two pending UFA star wingers. In a TNT broadcast, he suggested a deal that he thought would help both clubs’ roster and financial issues.
Not everyone agreed, as seen by the comments made by other panellists in the program and by internet reactions. Does each party benefit from this deal, though?
Yes or No for the Maple Leafs
Marner has been a key contributor for Toronto with 29 points in 22 games this season, but his reputation for postseason struggles has led to questions about his long-term value. While his $10.9 million cap hit is manageable, he’s going to get a huge raise and the Maple Leafs are said to be trying to find a way not to have his cap hit eclipse Auston Matthews’ $13.25 million salary.
Carter contended that it would be possible to pay Rantanen more than Matthews without causing a major commotion in Toronto. The issue with Carter’s proposal is that the salary cap issue would not be resolved by this transaction. Rantanen is anticipating a huge salary, but it’s also possible that the Maple Leafs will get a better postseason performer and a little different mix of their top forwards. His next deal may earn him up to $14 million. With so much already invested in other forwards, the Leafs don’t want to pay anyone that much, optics or not.
Not to mention, giving up Marner, who is highly popular and a consistent regular-season performer, could be a tough pill for Leafs fans to swallow.
Yes or No For the Avalanche
Rantanen has been a beast this season, posting 32 points in 23 games. He’s also a proven producer in the playoffs. However, as Carter points out, with Nathan MacKinnon’s $12.6 million salary, Rantanen might struggle to command his desired $14 million in Colorado. Carter argued there’s an internal cap with MacKinnon and if that’s what holding up an extension with Rantanen, perhaps they could push him over to Toronto, where Carter doesn’t believe the Leafs are willing to pay him what he’s worth.
Marner’s $10.9 million would turn into bigger money in Colorado, where perhaps he can make the same amount as MacKinnon.The potential $1.5 million in savings may also allow the Avs to keep its cap situation more manageable.
That said, swapping Rantanen for Marner could risk losing some of Colorado’s postseason edge.
Final Verdict on Marner for Rantanen Trade Suggestion
On paper, this trade makes some sense from an AAV perspective when it comes to the optics of both players in their respective cities. However, there are some unanswered questions here that assume several things that it’s too early to assume.
By no means is this suggestion a perfect fit or the ideal solution for either club. And, the emotional and on-ice impact of losing a key player like Marner or Rantanen might not justify the swap.
Would you do it?
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