A trusted journalist reveals the ideal Mitch Marner trade

The buzz intensified following comments from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, who suggested that Marner could be on the trading block this offseason.

The potential trade scenarios for Marner vary widely. Some suggest the Leafs should aim for a return of draft picks and prospects, bolstering their future prospects. Others argue for leveraging Marner's value to strengthen their defense or goaltending. However, a particular proposal from ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, mentioned in his tweet this weekend, has caught significant attention. Wyshynski hinted at an intriguing swap sending Marner to the new NHL team in Utah for star forward Clayton Keller. This deal not only raises eyebrows but also seems feasible for multiple strategic reasons.

The trade would not only be a blockbuster in terms of player talent but also a significant emotional shift for the Leafs, particularly for Auston Matthews. Marner isn't just a teammate; he's one of Matthews' closest friends. Interestingly, Clayton Keller also shares a strong friendship with Matthews, dating back to their days in the USHL during the 2014-15 season. The two have maintained their bond, with Keller even being one of Matthews' picks at this year's All-Star Draft in Toronto.

From a financial perspective, the trade could provide substantial cap relief for Toronto. Marner's current contract carries a hefty $10.9M cap hit, with expectations of a substantial increase on his next deal. Meanwhile, Keller's more modest $7.15M cap hit would free up nearly $3.75M in cap space. This saving could prove crucial as the Leafs strive to build a more balanced team, potentially allowing them to add another high-caliber player to address pressing needs.

Moreover, the addition of a high-profile player like Marner would be a significant coup for the Utah franchise, looking to make a splash in their inaugural season. With Ryan Smith, who also owns the Utah Jazz, at the helm, the financials could likely be worked out to accommodate Marner's salary.

Despite the apparent benefits, the trade is complicated by Marner's no-movement clause, giving him significant control over any potential deal. The challenge lies in striking a fair deal that satisfies all parties involved, particularly when player consent is a pivotal factor.

This ongoing saga adds another layer of drama to what has already been a turbulent postseason for the Leafs. As speculation mounts, only time will tell if this proposed blockbuster trade becomes a reality, reshaping the futures of both involved franchises.