NHL trade rumors: Insider links $65,408,000 Mitch Marner to Nashville Predators; Saaros involved in deal

By Ankit Kumar

Modified May 13, 2024 11:18 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be at the center of many rumors this offseason and we are seeing a glimpse of that as star forward Mitch Marner is speculated to make a move to the Nashville Predators. Insider David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period has ignited excitement among hockey fans by suggesting a blockbuster deal that could see Marner donning the Predators' jersey.

Pagnotta's insights highlight the fit of Mitch Marner's talents at Bridgestone Arena, and he also noted that they have a star netminder in Juuse Saros, who they would move for the right price.

The Predators, despite recent affirmations of their desire to retain their star players, might be open to a transformative trade, especially with Mitch Marner's name in discussion. However, Nashville GM Barry Trotz said (per NHL.com).

"But I do know this: [Saros] wants to be here, and he’s been a big part of it. I’d like him to be here, so we’re going to work hard at getting something done with him."

The involvement of Saros, Nashville's goaltender, adds a strategic layer to the potential deal. The speculated trade involving Marner and Saros could bring a significant shake-up to both teams' rosters. Pagnotta mentioned the presence of Yaroslav Askarov as a factor in Nashville's willingness to consider moving Saros for offensive firepower.

Mitch Marner signed a $65.4 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 13, 2019, spanning six years. On the other hand, Juuse Saros secured a $20 million contract with the Nashville Predators on Aug. 16, 2021, for a term of four years. Both Marner and Saros will hit unrestricted free agency at the culmination of the 2024-25 season.

Here are Juuse Saros' stats this season:

• GP (Games Played): 64
• GS (Games Started): 64
• WINS: 35
• L (Losses): 24
• OTL (Overtime Losses): 5
• GA/G (Goals Against Average): 2.86
• SV% (Save Percentage): .906
• SO (Shutouts): 3

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Mitch Marner is expected to be traded after the Leafs' playoff exit

Recently, the Toronto Maple Leafs fired Sheldon Keefe, for the team's dismal performance in round one of the playoffs. Keefe told the media after his dismissal:

"I didn’t get it done in the playoffs, I didn’t help push our team over the line and deliver. I accept responsibility for that. No excuses. That’s the job, I didn’t get it done."

Despite significant salary cap investment in high-scoring forwards like Matthews, Tavares, Marner and Nylander, the Toronto Maple Leafs struggled offensively in the playoffs. Out of their 14 recent postseason games, they scored two goals or fewer in 13. Since 2015-16, these four players played 204 playoff games but only scored a combined 66 goals.