Mikko Rantanen Traded: Is Mitch Marner Next?
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner is currently in the midst of contract negotiations, however, the Mikko Rantanen situation gives us a lot of pause.
Mikko Rantanen was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday nigh in a blockbuster three-team deal that also sent Taylor Hall to Raleigh.
The reasoning behind this trade was simple. The Colorado Avalanche knew they wouldn't be able to re-sign Rantanen so before they lost him for nothing, they made a trade.
Toronto Maple Leafs to trade Mitch Marner and avoid embarrassment?
Throughout the season, Mitch Marner and Rantanen have been compared to one another. In fact, some analysts have suggested a one-for-one trade involving the two.
Marner is seemingly looking for a contract worth $13.5-$14 million per year which is a bit rich for the Maple Leafs.
However, the forward is currently having a career year and there is this sense that if he continues to drag out the negotiations, he will ultimately have to walk away.
This led to a question from reporter Nick Alberga, who wonders what kind of haul Mitch Marner would fetch at the trade deadline.
At this point, it is absolutely a question worth asking even if it might be a bit uncomfortable for Maple Leafs fans.
If General Manager Brad Treliving feels like re-signing Marner is a lost cause, then a trade must happen. You can't lose a player like that for nothing.
Of course, the Leafs could always just re-sign the man for what he wants and be done with it entirely.
But that is much easier said than done and you really do have to wonder about his future now that a guy like Rantanen has been dealt.
