The current speculation that Toronto Maple Leafs player Mitch Marner could be moved to the Nashville Predators has sparked substantial interest. While the reports make theoretical sense, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun dismissed them as “silly season” and pointed out that various factors impede the probability of such a move. Furthermore, Predators general manager Barry Trotz denied that he had spoken with Toronto or even looked at Marner, adding, “He’s not a free agent.” This is not surprising given that expressing interest in a player under contract is considered tampering.
Why Marner to Nashville? Rumors are out there. LeBrun agrees that, on the surface, the idea of Marner joining the Predators aligns with Nashville’s goal of improving its offensive powers this summer. He scored 26 goals and 85 points in 69 games, which would surely add to the Predators’ offensive depth. However, his $10.9 million salary poses a hurdle to Nashville’s meticulously regulated salary limit structure. Roman Josi, the Predators’ highest-paid player, makes $9.059 million yearly. The implication here was that Josi was the standard against which all other contracts in Nashville were assessed. The thought that Marner would consider a pay decrease seems improbable.
Furthermore, any team considering a trade for Marner would need to know that he is prepared to sign an extension beyond his current contract. The Leafs might not win a deal, but they’ll demand a significant return. If Nashville is going to make the deal, they’ll want to know Marner isn’t just a one-year rental.
Toronto has not spoken with anyone, and Marner’s agent is working on a trade. LeBrun also states that the Maple Leafs have not spoken to anyone regarding a Marner deal. As of now, it appears that Marner will remain in place. Brad Treliving hasn’t looked at his roster or considered what he would do with it this summer, as he is solely focused on interviewing and signing a new coach.
LeBrun wrote: At this time, the Marner camp, lead by veteran agent Darren Ferris, is not working on a roster of teams. They have no intention of releasing such a list right now. According to the Marner camp, the star winger has one year remaining on his contract with the Leafs and expects to respect it. ‘LeBrun: Leafs-Predators Mitch Marner trade mania kicks off NHL silly season’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – May 22, 2024.
