Today a former NHLer made a bold statement that the Toronto Maple Leafs should consider trading a member of the core four forwards. The forward he picks to move is shocking.
Former NHLer Wants The Maple Leafs To Break Up Core Four
Today former NHLer Jay Rosehill spoke on the Toronto Maple Leafs and their future. As part of this discussion, the William Nylander contract situation came up. In recent months Nylander's lack of a contract next season has been a major talking point. With Nylander still not signed Rosehill believes a move needs to happen to facilitate those talks.
According to Rosehill, it is not Nylander who should be counting his days in Toronto but instead Mitch Marner. Marner has polarized fans and media in Toronto due to his more skill style of play with a lack of a heavy presence. This seems to be why Rosehill thinks Marner is the best candidate to move.
"Its tough man, they've got their hands tied and if you're going to untie them you have to undo those four," Rosehill said. "You can't just free something up with no value. It has to be something with value, it has to hurt a little bit and to me Mitch Marner, with the way he plays... I think he's the odd man out."
With Rosehill being a former NHL enforcer in the 2000s and 2010s it is not surprising that Marner would be his choice to move on from. Rosehill's comments do bring up a discussion if the Maple Leafs do want to keep Nylander who is the odd man out.
Marner The Odd Man Out?
Mitch Marner is one of the best playmaking wingers in the NHL who can also score 30 goals when at his best. The 26-year-old forward will be heading into the last year of his contract next season. This means he will be going through the process that Nylander is now next season.
If the Maple Leafs feel they are close to a Nylander extension a Marner trade could make sense. Both are top-six wingers who play a more finesse-style game. The Maple Leafs' lack of center prospects coming up on the horizon also plays a factor.
Players like Matthew Knies and Nick Robertson have been waiting for a major opportunity. Trading one of these wingers could provide that opportunity. Then it would come down to a set of factors to decide between Nylander and Marner. Consistent play and production weighed against the cost will be the ultimate factor.
If the Maple Leafs' plan is indeed to split up the core four trading one of Nylander or Marner is the best option. Maple Leafs fans just need to hope Brad Treliving and his staff pick the correct player or it could haunt them for years to come.