Analyst makes case for Maple Leafs to trade superstar forward Mitch Marner

There’s been no news on the Mitch Marner trade front, but that doesn’t meant that nothing is brewing behind the scenes.

Many around the NHL believe the Toronto Maple Leafs are inclined to trade the superstar forward this offseason rather than sign him to a lucrative contract extension or risk losing him to free agency next year. NHL Network’s Stu Grimson is among them.

During a recent episode of “NHL Tonight,” Grimson explained why trading a player of Marner’s caliber may seem like a tough pill to swallow but could ultimately work out for the best.

“This group needs more sandpaper, they need a little more grit as far as their top six is concerned,” Grimson said . “…I go back to the Florida series, the trouble that group had with (Matthew) Tkachuk and (Sam) Bennett, both players who factor into the top six for the Florida Panthers. I know the Leafs covet that kind of gritty presence as part of their top six, who can also generate top-end offensive numbers. … [Marner] is that one piece that may bring the added necessity as management perceives it back to the mix to get them over the hump.”

Marner, who’s scored 85 or more points in four of the last six years, which includes three 90-point seasons, has one year left on his contract with a $10.9 million cap hit. He’s likely to command a salary north of $11M per year on his next deal.

The 27-year-old forward could fetch a king’s ransom on the trade market, especially from a Stanley Cup-contending team looking to bolster the scoring depth of its top six. That kind of return, Grimson says, could be too enticing to pass up for Toronto.

“[If they trade him] it will be a haul,” Grimson added. “I’ve got to believe there will be a solid, established impact player, NHL player, as part of the mix. Perhaps a mix of picks and prospects to accompany a Marner. It should be a rich return.”