Report: Two teams and a blockbuster trade,Leafs and Predators keen to sign their favorites….read more.

Regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators, two teams and a blockbuster trade, there has been a lot of conjecture over the last 48 hours. Mitch Marner’s desire to stay with the Maple Leafs has not changed, and Barry Trotz, the general manager of the Predators, is still keen to re-sign goaltender Juuse Saros. However, there are rumors that a deal between the Predators and Leafs is feasible and may even be under discussion.

More than a week ago, our own Spencer Lazary wrote about the concept of a Marner-for-Saros (plus parts) deal. He argued that he liked the fit.

In the end, it might play a major role in the Maple Leafs eventually winning the Stanley Cup, in which case this deal wouldn’t be considered a “loss.” Treliving should call the Predators and propose a Marner for Saros trade for this very reason—it fills up any gaps that might exist.

The concept of these two teams collaborating has gained a lot of attention in recent days. “I believe Nashville-at some point-has been one of the teams that has said, ‘if you consider moving him, give us a call,'” stated David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period and NHL Network. The Toronto Star’s Kevin McGran is also writing about these two teams potentially discussing trade talks.

What Is Driving Up Interest in a Marner to Nashville Trade?
There are numerous trade proposals available. Trade rumors abound online, and teams like Columbus, Calgary, Anaheim, and others have been mentioned in relation to Marner. However, those deals are uncommon because most have specific problems. Many of the problems with the previous agreements are resolved by this possible trade, the most significant of which is Marner’s desire or reluctance to go there.

The Predators don’t have any cap concerns like other teams do. They may now bring in Marner and, if he’s willing, sign him to an extension without having to persuade Saros to waive a no-trade clause. Significantly, the Leafs wouldn’t have to hold onto salary in order for the trade to succeed.

Yaroslav Arskarov may be ready for a starting job, so the Predators have the flexibility to transfer Saros while still needing a player like Marner. Trotz is open to moving Saros if necessary, and the Maple Leafs may require a qualified NHL goalkeeper given the departures of Ilya Samsonov and Martin Jones as well as GM Brad Treliving’s remarks regarding Joseph Woll’s legendary injury history.

For players, Nashville is regarded as a preferred location. Even though they aren’t regarded as Stanley Cup favorites, the squad is frequently competitive, and the city and atmosphere are wonderful. It’s a spot where Marner may be recognized while still staying somewhat anonymous. He can collaborate with talented players like Ryan O’Reilly and Filip Forsberg, and the team would be able to recruit more players around him without much trouble in luring quality free agents.

Does a Tandem with Woll and Saros Make Sense?
How a Woll and Saros duo benefits Toronto is the key question. Everyone should agree right away that the pair is superior to Woll and Samsonov. After there, it becomes about Woll’s and Saros’s long-term goals. Will Saros consent to continue on a potential 1B? Will Woll be able to maintain his health long enough to regularly take the lead role? This offseason, the latter is the more concerning issue.

Knowing what to anticipate from the upcoming season is top importance for the Maple Leafs. When they get there, the Leafs can cross the bridge by signing Saros. He will, however, be a crucial component of the Leafs’ jigsaw in 2024–25. Next season, goaltending will be crucial, and a Saros and Woll combination takes care of that.

The Maple Leafs intend to be a competitive squad in the upcoming campaign. It will be expected of management even if Marner is not on the team. Saros will support them in doing so. It settles all questions over Woll’s injury history, frees up cap room for the Leafs to make further moves, and might be one of the few deals from which they emerge largely undamaged.

Insiders are beginning to discuss this offer more than any other that has been thrown out there to see what sticks because of these reasons.