Surprise trade between Leafs and Blackhawks could change it all

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Ryan Hall
May 22, 2024 (0:31)

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Rumors have been swirling throughout the NHL regarding the fate of Mitch Marner with the Toronto Maple Leafs and one rumor has Marner heading to the Blackhawks in exchange for Seth Jones and two other pieces.

The trade rumors states that the Blackhawks would receive Marner in exchange for Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones, the 20th overall pick in this years draft courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Blackhawks forward prospect Frank Nazar.

This trade rumor has not been well received by Blackhawks fans as many feel that they're giving too much up for a player who has yet to sign a contract extension. Marner has one year remaining on his deal with the Maple Leafs which holds a cap hit of $10.9 million AAV. The Blackhawks certainly can absorb a contract that size and they would be sending another contract just under with Seth Jones.

Sending Nazar to Toronto would be a tough sell to the fan base as he was drafted by the Blackhawks in 2022 in the first-round 13th overall. The 20-year-old can play centre and right wing and at 5 foot 9 174 lbs he is an excellent puck mover. Nazar who played for the University of Michigan played 41 games this year, scoring 17 goals with 24 assists for 41 points and had eighteen penalty minutes.

With Marner coming to the Blackhawks, Connor Bedard would have an instant star to work with and both players with their speed and skill set would put up many points which will help the Blackhawks head towards one of their goals in achieving a playoff spot. Marner would be a cornerstone piece to build around as he would be seeking an 8-year deal.

Another aspect of Marner is the fact that he would only have a salary of less than $1 million going into next year as the Maple Leafs would be forced to pay him $10 million on July 1st being a signing bonus. Having that little money to pay for a superstar talent like Marner would certainly entice Davidson.

Time will tell on whether a deal like this can be crafted but it's likely that Davidson will be calling Leafs general manager Brad Treliving to see what the costs would be if Marner decides to waive his no movement clause.