Veteran NHL analyst John Buccigross has stirred the pot by suggesting that the Toronto Maple Leafs should consider trading William Nylander if that’s what it takes to keep Mitch Marner on the roster.
Speaking during a live broadcast of Game 7 between the Avalanche and Stars, Buccigross stressed that retaining Marner should be Toronto’s top offseason priority.
Leafs Can’t Let Mitch Marner Go
Marner, 27, is coming off a career-high 102-point season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent when his six-year, $65.418 million contract expires at the end of June. With contract talks looming, the Leafs face financial strain under the salary cap.
According to Buccigross, the solution could lie in parting ways with Nylander, who recently signed an eight-year, $92 million extension.
“Marner is a fascinating thing. I don’t see how you let him go. Whether you have to trade [William] Nylander, I just don’t see how you let that guy go,” Buccigross said on the “Spittin’ Chiclets” live stream. “Marner is not a big goal scorer. But $14 million for a really good PK guy and a lot of assists. Man, he’s smart, man, he’s so God damn smart.”
Nylander’s contract includes a full no-movement clause, making a trade more complicated. But Buccigross argued that Marner brings more to the table, especially in terms of playmaking and hockey IQ, and is the type of player a team should build around.
Leafs general manager Brad Treliving also seems committed to keeping Marner. In March, he told reporters that the organization wants Marner in Toronto in the long term. “We want Mitch here for a long time,” Treliving said.
Despite the growing noise, Marner has avoided talking about his future publicly. When asked about his contract status in March, he responded, “I’m not going to get into this contract stuff … I’ve loved my time being a Leaf.”
Marner’s Contract Talks and Offseason Uncertainty
Experts expect Marner to be one of the top free agents available should he not reach a new deal with Toronto before then. The Maple Leafs’ salary cap situation complicates things, with hefty contracts already in place for players like Auston Matthews and Nylander.
Marner led the team in points this season, with 27 goals and 75 assists. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s a central figure in Toronto’s penalty kill and a creative force on offense. That’s part of why Buccigross emphasized his value, even if he’s not a pure goal scorer.
Meanwhile, Nylander, who just entered the first year of his lucrative extension, has also been a consistent performer. However, his high price tag and no-move clause make any potential deal risky and complex.
Treliving and the Maple Leafs’ front office now face one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent years. With Marner and captain John Tavares entering the final year of their contracts, decisions made this summer could define the team’s trajectory for seasons to come.
Marner remains focused on the postseason and has been mum on any long-term commitments. But with July fast approaching, clarity on his future is likely just weeks away.