No. 2: Mitch Marner
Marner has a no-move-clause, grew up loving playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but after another failed season, maybe he'd waive his no-trade to try something new?
I know that's crazy to believe and trading Marner seems like the dumbest idea in the world, but think of the return.
At the NHL Trade Deadline this year, the Buffalo Sabres were able to acquire Bowen Byram
, a top-four defenseman, only for Casey Mittelstadt. I know Byram isn't a number-one defenseman, but he's still only five years removed from being the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and is considered a legit top-four defenseman.
The reason I bring that trade up is because if the Colorado Avalanche were willing to give up that for Mittelstadt, there has to be a team out there willing to move a top defenseman for Marner.
With only one year left in his contract, Marner is set for a pay-raise, deservingly so, but I'm not sure if it should be in Toronto.
John Tavares' contract is also set to expire, so many expect he'd be willing to take a hometown discount to free up space for Marner, but if it doesn't work this year it might be wise to move on.
The last thing I want to see if the Leafs trading Marner, but they need shake-up if they don't win again and with an expiring contract, Marner could be the best player to set this team up for the future.