Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Hypothetical Mitch Marner Trades

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SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 06: Erik Karlsson #65 of the San Jose Sharks passes the puck against the Colorado Avalanche in the second period at SAP Center on April 06, 2023 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 2: San Jose Sharks

Hypothetical Trade:

Toronto Maple Leafs acquire: Erik Karlsson
San Jose Sharks acquire: Mitch Marner

Would you rather have a number-one defenseman or a first-line right winger on your roster for $11M? Well that would be the question Toronto would ask themselves with this move.

Karlsson is coming off a 25 goal, 101 point performance last year and as such, it would be crazy to think that he can recreate that total. After four tough seasons, he bounced back and looked like the two-time Norris Trophy winner (and soon to be three-time) that he is.

He has another four years left on his contract, but he if he play at even 75 percent of how he did last year, it would be worth it.

Toronto hasn’t had a true number-one defenseman in year’s but Karlsson could be that player. They need someone who can eat up 30 minutes per night and play in every situation and that’s what he would bring.

I’m sure San Jose would prefer to move on from Karlsson’s contract, despite him having the best year of his career, so this trade would allow them to gain a top-10 player in Marner, without having to give up many other assets.

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