Imagine how different the Stanley Cup Playoffs might have unfolded if Mitch Marner had been with the Vegas Golden Knights and Mikko Rantanen with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This intriguing possibility nearly happened through a significant trade discussion that ultimately fell through.
According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, before the trade deadline, the Maple Leafs engaged in discussions with the Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes about a three-team trade proposal. This deal would have involved sending Marner to Vegas and Rantanen to Toronto. The trade reportedly collapsed because Vegas and Carolina couldn`t agree on the necessary assets to complete the transaction.
To make the deal work, the Golden Knights would have needed to send compensation to the Hurricanes. Given Marner`s substantial $10.9 million salary cap hit, this package would probably have included at least one notable player from Vegas`s roster.
One has to wonder if Marner`s offensive punch could have helped the Golden Knights fare better in their second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers. Similarly, might Mikko Rantanen`s unique blend of size and skill have shifted the balance for Toronto in their matchup against the Florida Panthers? These intriguing `what-ifs` will likely remain topics of speculation for fans of both teams.
Since this major three-team deal didn`t materialize, Rantanen was instead traded to the Dallas Stars as part of a package that included promising young forward Logan Stankoven. Marner, on the other hand, stayed with Toronto and is now scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.
Once free agency opens at noon on July 1st, all three clubs previously involved in these trade discussions could potentially make offers for Marner. As discussed following the Maple Leafs` season ending, having the current team remain together for a few more years, despite potentially negative perceptions, might not be the absolute worst strategic move.
The Golden Knights are clearly operating with a `win-now` mentality, and their performance this postseason highlighted a need for more offensive dynamism. Marner, recognized for being eighth in points over the last four seasons, fits this profile well. However, Vegas faces a major hurdle with its salary cap. Acquiring Marner would necessitate clearing substantial salary.
Similarly to Vegas, the Hurricanes require increased scoring punch to overcome their playoff challenges. Marner`s arrival could provide the kind of elite-level playmaking Carolina has noticeably lacked when competing against the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Elton Marrow 
Torin Vale