Trade to materalize: The Rangers and Maple Leafs trade talks heat up

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Joshua Deeds
July 6, 2024 (5:57 PM)

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There are rumors of a potential trade materializing between the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs.

The trade could see Mitch Marner, donning a different kind of Blueshirt,, in exchange for Alexis Lafreniere and Captain Jacob Trouba.

Could this be a result of contractual issues, between the Rangers, and Trouba?

The Rangers and Maple Leafs should respect Jacob Trouba's and Mitch Marner's contractual clauses and not force them into a trade, says Adam Proteau.

The Leafs experienced serious defensive deficiencies this past season and are looking to shore up the blueline, of which Jacob Trouba could be a huge help. With John Klingberg on LTIR, the Maple Leafs have to reshape the blueline, in a physical, dominating presence which it lacked in 2023-2024.

Trouba would also save the team $2.8 Million on the salary cap, compared to Marner's $10.9 Million AAV deal.

Alexis Lafreniere, a 1st round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft hasn't exactly lived up to the hype in New York. This trade could offer him a fresh start in Toronto, and with a $2.3 Million AAV cap hit, could end up saving Brad Treliving $500K in cap space.

Alexis Lafrenière, the first overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, has shown potential but hasn't yet fully established himself as a top-tier player. A move to Toronto, with its high-powered offense and young core, could help Lafrenière reach his potential. His $2.3 million cap hit also provides significant cap flexibility for the Leafs.

Since the 1st week of free agency has come to a close, will bigger trades such as this one materialize?

Will the Rangers score a 95-point winger in Marner?

Source: Hockey Patrol
Potential trade materialising sending Mitch Marner to the New York Rangers