The Toronto Maple Leafs should seriously reconsider any thoughts of trading Mitch Marner, especially after the disappointing return the Vancouver Canucks received in the J.T. Miller trade. On Friday night, the Canucks sent Miller to the New York Rangers, ending weeks of speculation about his future. While some may view the trade as an opportunity for the Leafs to make a blockbuster move, it highlights why Marner is far more valuable to the team than many may realize.
The Canucks received a first-round pick, which they flipped immediately, but that was the highlight of a trade that left many underwhelmed. Along with the first-rounder, Vancouver acquired a middle-six center in Filip Chytil and defensive prospect Victor Mancini. In comparison, the Colorado Avalanche received a much better return for Mikko Rantanen, with an impactful player in Martin Necas, who is considered far more of a game-changer than the pieces the Canucks received for Miller.
The J.T. Miller trade further proves the point that the Toronto Maple Leafs have no business moving Mitch Marner. If the Leafs were to even consider moving Marner, assuming he were willing to waive his no-trade clause, they would likely get a couple of mid-round picks, a low-level prospect, and possibly a top-six roster player. Given that Marner is arguably the second-best player in franchise history, the return for him would almost certainly not justify the loss.
In terms of sheer value, it’s hard to justify the thought of trading Marner, especially considering the underwhelming trade returns seen around the league. The J.T. Miller deal offers a stark reminder of just how difficult it is to get fair value for a star player, even one with a track record as proven as Miller’s. Marner is one of the top players in the league, and any trade for him would likely fail to reflect that caliber of talent.
Now, let’s factor in the salary cap situation for the Leafs. On Friday, The Athletic’s Chris Johnston reported that the NHL salary cap will increase to $95.5 million next season, and it is expected to rise even further to $113.5 million by the 2027-28 season. These increases should give the Leafs ample flexibility to sign Marner to a new deal without breaking the bank, especially if John Tavares decides to take a team-friendly deal or walks altogether.
The combination of a poor return for Miller and the cap increase should eliminate any remaining excuses for the Leafs not to lock up Marner for the long-term. Marner’s current deal, which has a cap hit of $10.9 million, is set to expire soon, and with the rising cap space, the Leafs are in a perfect position to extend Marner without creating any significant financial burdens.
If Toronto does not sign Marner in the coming months, it would signal a serious misstep by the organization. In fact, if the Leafs fail to keep Marner, it might be time for a serious reassessment of priorities. The Leafs would need to find a general manager who is willing to make bold moves and get the deal done with their superstar winger.
One thing is clear: keeping Marner should be a top priority for the Leafs. His ability to produce offensively and elevate the play of his teammates makes him indispensable to the team’s championship aspirations. Trading him now would be a move that the Leafs would likely regret for years to come.
Moreover, Marner’s leadership and overall presence in the locker room cannot be overlooked. He’s one of the most consistent players on the roster and has grown into a true leader for the Leafs. His work ethic and commitment to the team make him an irreplaceable asset in a time when the franchise is pushing to end its long playoff drought.
If the Leafs do decide to trade Marner, they must understand that they’re entering a highly uncertain market. The trade for Miller proves that trading top-tier players doesn’t always yield favorable results. Teams are wary of overpaying for high-profile stars, especially when the return is often less than expected.
The Leafs should also recognize that Marner’s offensive consistency and high-end skills make him a centerpiece of their future plans. While other teams may take a different route to success, keeping a player like Marner ensures that the Leafs remain competitive in the years to come. The trade rumors surrounding him are ultimately a distraction.
In conclusion, the J.T. Miller trade serves as a cautionary tale for the Toronto Maple Leafs. If they were considering trading Marner, this trade should be enough to convince them to hold on to their star. Marner’s value to the Leafs far exceeds what they would likely get in return, and with the cap increasing, there is no reason not to lock him up for the future.
The focus for the Leafs should shift to securing Marner’s future in Toronto, rather than entertaining trade rumors. With his talent, leadership, and the current state of the salary cap, keeping him on the team should be an easy decision. The J.T. Miller trade proves that star players are simply too valuable to let go without receiving a substantial return, and for the Leafs, Marner is far too valuable to trade away.