The Toronto Maple Leafs are deeply entrenched in their offseason plans following yet another disappointing playoff exit. With the recent end-of-season press conference shedding light on potential changes, one major question revolves around star winger Mitch Marner.
Despite Marner’s reluctance to waive his no-move clause, there’s speculation, notably by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, suggesting mutual interest in parting ways. Friedman also highlights the potential benefit of freeing up cap space, even if the Leafs don’t necessarily “win” a trade involving Marner. With other players like T.J. Brodie and Tyler Bertuzzi potentially off the books, this newfound cap flexibility could open up numerous opportunities for bolstering the team’s backend.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs fail to acquire a defenseman via trade, Elliotte Friedman suggests two potential free agency targets: Brandon Montour and Brett Pesce, as mentioned at the 21:30 mark.
These names align with prior speculation and could significantly benefit the team, effectively addressing their defensive needs while judiciously utilizing the available cap space between the two players.
