The Toronto Maple Leafs fell short in the Stanley Cup playoffs and have several players signed to high-value contracts. Among them is Mitch Marner, due to become a free agent after the upcoming season. Speculation is rife that he might hit the trade market, fueled by both his contract and the desire of some Leafs fans to see him play elsewhere. At 26, Marner commands an annual average value (AAV) of $10.9 million. Last season, he showcased his skills with 26 goals and 59 assists, highlighting his prowess as a playmaker with a career total of 445 assists.
The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the few teams with the financial flexibility to absorb Marner’s salary and are in dire need of forward upgrades. However, Marner’s no-movement clause means any trade would require his consent. While playing alongside Connor Bedard could be enticing, he might prefer joining a team closer to playoff contention.
As for the Blackhawks, defenseman Seth Jones and his $9.5 million AAV could potentially be part of the deal. Trade rumors frequently involve Jones leaving Chicago, with frustration among fans over his performance not matching his salary. Despite his struggles, adding Jones might not necessarily bolster Toronto’s defense.
Why would the Leafs be interested in absorbing Seth’s salary, even if they receive prospects and picks in exchange for Marner?
The Athletic offered an intriguing perspective on the Leafs potentially trading Marner for Jones, along with some picks and prospects.
Mitch Marner trade scenarios: A 'Who Says No?’ mailbag
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) May 28, 2024
Their argument revolves around Jones’ continued value despite his team’s struggles. Despite playing for a struggling Blackhawks team, Jones still logs significant ice time, ranking fourth in the league with 25:29 per game. This suggests that he is still trusted to perform consistently, even if he may not be playing at the level expected of the highest-paid player on the team. The belief is that a change of scenery and the opportunity to contend for a Stanley Cup could reignite Jones’ performance.
Furthermore, while Jones may have not lived up to the expectations of a top defenseman since signing his big contract, his contract runs through the rest of the decade at a slightly lower average annual value (AAV) than Marner. This could provide the Leafs with more balance in their salary distribution between forwards and defensemen.
Ultimately, the potential success of such a trade hinges on how the Maple Leafs evaluate Jones. While Blackhawks fans may have biases based on his salary, other teams might still see him as an All-Star player.
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