Speculation on Potential Trade: Mitch Marner for Mikhail Sergachev
NHL insider and reporter James Mirtle of The Athletic has sparked speculation about a potential trade involving the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mirtle suggests that the Maple Leafs might consider trading star forward Mitch Marner in a one-for-one deal for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Lightning.
Marner, who is entering the final year of a six-year, $65.4 million contract signed in 2019, has been a prominent figure in trade rumors following Toronto’s elimination from the playoffs. With his name frequently appearing on trade bait boards, Mirtle posits that Tampa Bay could be a “dark horse” candidate to acquire Marner, potentially offering Sergachev in return.
In a discussion on the JD Bunkis show on Sportsnet on June 26, Mirtle commented, “Maybe something with the Lightning, who look like they could be movers and shakers here. It would be Sergachev.”
Sergachev, who has seven years remaining on an eight-year, $68 million contract signed on July 13, 2022, does not have any trade protection until July 1. This means that if Tampa Bay intends to pursue this trade scenario, they would need to finalize the deal before July 1, as Sergachev would not need to approve the trade until then.
Last season, Sergachev played in 34 games for the Lightning, recording 2 goals and 17 assists for a total of 19 points. Despite breaking his leg, Sergachev was a crucial member of the Lightning’s Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2020 and 2021.
Insider Analysis: Benefits for the Maple Leafs
Mirtle advocates for the trade from Toronto’s perspective, arguing that acquiring Sergachev would be advantageous for the Maple Leafs. The trade would provide Toronto with over $2 million in cap space and secure a true No. 1 defenseman in Sergachev, who still has seven years left on his contract.
“You get a little bit of cap space, you get a defenseman, you hope that Sergachev rebounds. He didn’t have a great year but played hurt a lot of the year,” Mirtle explained. “I think the Lightning are looking at it, potentially they lose Stamkos, they are having a turning of the page there, and they want to see if they can get that team back to where they are contending and not just in that second tier.”
For Tampa Bay, acquiring Marner would mean adding a dynamic offensive playmaker to their roster. Sergachev’s role has become less critical due to the presence of other defensemen like Ryan McDonagh, Victor Hedman, and Erik Cernak.
Marner’s Position and Contract Situation
Despite the swirling trade rumors, Mitch Marner holds a full no-movement clause, allowing him to veto any potential trade. According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Marner and his camp, led by veteran agent Darren Ferris, have expressed a desire to remain with the Maple Leafs. They are not currently working on a list of teams for a possible trade and intend to honor the remaining year of his contract with Toronto.
“At this point, the Marner camp led by veteran agent Darren Ferris is not working on a list of teams. They have no intention as of now of producing such a list. As far as the Marner camp is concerned, the star winger has one more year on his contract with the Leafs and intends to honor it,” LeBrun wrote.
LeBrun further noted, “So as far as I can tell right this minute, this is all about what the Leafs come to Marner with this summer (if anything) — not the other way around. Marner holds most of the cards with his 100 percent no-move clause, which went into effect last July 1.”
In summary, while speculation about a potential trade involving Mitch Marner and Mikhail Sergachev is rife, the final decision will hinge on various factors, including the intentions of the Maple Leafs, the Lightning’s strategic moves, and Marner’s own stance on any potential deal.
