NHL Offseason Trades: 4 Landing Spots for Mitch Marner

After another first-round exit, the Toronto Maple Leafs are ready for a big offseason full of changes. They already parted ways with Sheldon Keefe, and now they are gearing up to make moves with their roster. The possibility of their core four being broken up is likely, and superstar forward Mitch Marner is their top trade candidate.

After another quiet postseason, Marner and the Maple Leafs may benefit from parting ways. If the Leafs officially shop the 2015 first-round pick, these four teams could enter the mix for his services. 

Mitch Marner Trade Prediction: Utah

After years of relocation rumors, the Coyotes have officially moved to Utah. Management has made it clear that Utah wants to be competitive out of the gate, so they are expected to have a busy offseason. When noting that their forward group needs a legitimate superstar, don’t be surprised if they target Marner this offseason. 

Utah is in a prime position to make a Marner blockbuster. They are entering the offseason with a plethora of cap space and have a surplus of draft picks to work with. They also have a deep prospect pool, which could interest the Maple Leafs. 

Marner could work wonderfully on a line with promising youngsters Matias Macceli and Logan Cooley. As a result, they should go all-in for Marner. 

Mitch Marner Trade Prediction: Predators 

The Predators are another team to watch when it comes to Marner. Management has clarified that they want to improve their forward group this summer. It is understandable, as they took a big step forward this season and naturally want to build off their momentum. 

If the Predators acquired Marner, he would provide their top six and power play with a significant boost. He could also create real magic on a line with fellow superstar Filip Forsberg and former teammate Ryan O’Reilly. 

The Maple Leafs also likely view the Predators as an ideal trading partner. The Maple Leafs need a star goalie to carry them over the hump, and Predators goalie Juuse Saros is rumored to be available for the right price. Thus, a deal involving Marner and Saros could make sense for both clubs. 

Mitch Marner Trade Prediction: Blackhawks 

After another season near the bottom of the NHL standings, the Blackhawks are ready to improve their roster. Generational prospect Connor Bedard had an excellent rookie season, but he needs far more help around him as he continues to develop his game in the NHL. Marner would be an unbelievable linemate for Bedard to have, so Chicago would be wise to enter the mix. 

Bedard could be lethal on a line with an elite playmaker like Marner. In addition, Marner would be a great mentor for the rebuilding Blackhawks to have around, as he has experience as an alternate captain. 

The Maple Leafs also need help on the blueline, and Seth Jones is one of the names that has been connected to them. The Blackhawks would need to give up more along with Jones to land Marner, but it is an avenue worth exploring. 

Mitch Marner Trade Prediction: Islanders 

The Islanders need to improve their scoring this offseason if they hope to become legitimate contenders again. With Marner being the biggest name in the rumor mill right now, they must consider making a push for him. The fit on paper is there. 

Marner would thrive playing with stars like Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, and Brock Nelson. With that, due to his elite playmaking ability, he also could help more of their players improve their offense. He also, of course, would instantly become their biggest threat on the power play if acquired. 

The Maple Leafs would love to add Ilya Sorokin from the Islanders in a Marner trade. While he lost the Islanders’ crease to Semyon Varlamov this postseason, he is still a big-time star and would be a long-term answer for the Leafs between the pipes if acquired.