Both the New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs will have difficult choices to make in the upcoming summer.
Naturally, those have to do with the impending extensions of Igor Shesterkin, the number one goalie, and sensation forward Mitch Marner.
It appears that some TSN sources have suggested trade Marner for Shesterkin, which would be a dramatic but ideal on paper solution for both sides.
Pierre LeBrun asked the panel on TSN’s “OverDrive” show on September 27 what Toronto should do if they are going to lose in the first round of the playoffs again.
It was a thought-provoking question. “I will pose this question to you before we conclude, and you must respond honestly. “Let us focus on the Leafs,” LeBrun stated.
“What would you do as the Leafs if you were eliminated in the first round and neither Marner nor Shesterkin had signed by July 1st, and you were the team with a chance to sign either one?”
Quick to react, fellow experts Bryan Hayes and Jeff O’Neill concurred that Toronto ought to give trading Marner considerable consideration in order to acquire Shesterkin should the chance present itself. Another first-round departure, in O’Neill and Hayes’ opinion, would indicate that something is wrong with the Leafs’ core and that a significant overhaul is required.
The two believe that Shesterkin is a valuable addition who may potentially replace Marner, particularly considering the goalie’s recent play.
Shesterkin, who is in the final season of a four-year, $22.67 million contract, finished the previous season with a 36-17-2 record, 2.58 GAA, and a.913 save percentage for the Rangers.
The goalie is free to sign an agreement, but he has not yet. The most recent sources indicate that he is expected to do so at a price that will reset the market.
Conversely, Marner, who finished the previous season with 69 games played, 26 goals, 59 assists, and 85 points, is entering the final year of a six-year, $65.41 million contract with Toronto.
Marner has also not signed an extension, but he has made it clear that he wants to be with the team from his hometown. Moving on from Marner, however, would be an option if Toronto experiences another early postseason exit, as noted by the TSN panelists.
