Pierre LeBrun: Some players will no longer be untouchable if Marner becomes available

Where to start? That’s the question I’ve been asking myself.

Basically, a lot is going to happen in Toronto over the next few weeks. We’re still waiting to hear whether Kyle Dubas will be back with the team, since his contract expires in a few weeks…

And if he does, the GM said openly at the end-of-season review that he was more than ready to stir the pot. He said at the time that he wasn’t going to be afraid to listen to offers, and that no player was going to be untouchable.

Yes, that’s right.

Since then, the main question has been which player might be sacrificed to Toronto. Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares and Mitch Marner, the four high-paid forwards, are seen as potential targets.

In a recent article in The Athletic, Pierre LeBrun takes a look at Marner’s case… And let’s just say that the tipster seems to think we could be witnessing quite a turnaround.

I think all bets are off as some teams may move players you thought were untouchable. – Pierre LeBrun

On the trade market, it’s obvious that Marner’s value is quite high.

After all, we’re talking about a guy who’s been approaching the 100-point mark for the past two years. Whether we like it or not, players like him are a dime a dozen. And, if the Leafs are willing to listen to offers for the right-handed forward, God knows there could be some very, very good ones.

LeBrun pushes the envelope, citing that Marner could bring back an elite defenseman for the Leafs, something they’ve been looking for long enough. In fact, since Jake Muzzin’s injury, we know just how “average” Toronto’s defense is.

Adding a top-2 defenseman can only help, because in reality, the team already has enough talent up front to score goals by the ton. At least, that’s how I see it.

If Matthews does decide to sign a contract extension in Toronto, I find it hard to imagine that he and Marner will be in town much longer.

Yes, the idea of trading Nylander is a good one… But he’s not as valuable as the other two star players I just mentioned.

It’s so interesting, talking about the Leafs. The door is open to many, many changes within the organization in the coming weeks…

And that’s where it gets pretty interesting.

In gusto

– They’re not lucky, the Mooseheads.

– Great read on the changing of the guard in the culture and philosophy of the Montreal Canadiens.

– Ouille! 😱😱😱

– It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

– For round ball fans: