Looking at 3 Most Outrageous Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Rumours of 2024

Mitch Marner for Mikko Rantanen in Superstar Swap

This deal originally surfaced after former NHLer Anson Carter spitballed the idea on a TNT broadcast in late November. The internet ran with the idea, making a Mitch Marner for Mikko Rantanen trade the next, big trade in the NHL.

The rationale behind this trade is that both Marner and Rantanen will become free agents this upcoming offseason. So, if the Leafs can’t sign Marner, and if the Colorado Avalanche can’t sign Rantanen, why not swap them?

If that were the case, both clubs could have a better shot at signing the other. Here’s a look at Carter’s comments:

Now, I can see the logic behind the deal. Perhaps Marner could be interested in playing with summer workout pal Nathan MacKinnon, while Rantanen could be compelled to join Auston Matthews.

Plus, if Rantanen really wants out of Colorado, and Marner is done with Toronto, why not give each player a shot at a fresh start? If that were the case, the trade would have to happen at some point after the Draft and the opening of free agency.

Perhaps desperation on the part of the Leafs and Avalanche makes the deal work. Honestly, it would be one of the worst business decisions for both teams. The optics of such a trade would look so bad, not considering that neither Marner nor Rantanen would be a good fit on the opposite side.

The Avs already have an elite playmaker in MacKinnon. Adding Marner gives them another high-end playmaker but takes away a pure goal-scorer. Similarly, the Leafs already have two top-tier goal scorers in Auston Matthews and William Nylander. So, adding Rantanen provides another top-end goal scorer but no playmaker.

Then, there are the financials. Marner would command a higher AAV than MacKinnon, while Rantanen reportedly wants Matthews-type money.

Ultimately, the idea of such a deal is brainless. While there is some logic, however far-fetched, it’s just not a practical one. The Leafs and Avalanche could deal the players in question, but to other teams who could offer more value.

Neither the Avs nor the Leafs will realistically pull off such a trade. So, even if July 1 rolls around and one or both players remain unsigned, it could just be a matter of time before a deal gets done. The fact is that Marner and Rantanen’s camps are waiting for official confirmation regarding the salary cap ceiling for next season and beyond.

When that news drops, deals could get signed in short order. So, hang on tight.