Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner has recently become the focus of trade rumors, with one proposed deal suggesting he could be sent to the Detroit Red Wings. Marner, who is entering the final year of his six-year, $65.4 million contract, has attracted attention as a potential trade candidate due to the Maple Leafs’ ongoing struggles in the playoffs. Using the PuckPedia website’s new PuckGM tool, a user proposed a blockbuster trade that would see the Red Wings acquire Marner.
Proposed Trade:
- Red Wings Receive:
- Mitch Marner
- Maple Leafs Receive:
- Lucas Raymond
- Jonatan Berggren
- William Wallinder
- 2025 second-round pick
This trade would be significant for both teams. Detroit would land a superstar forward in Marner, who could immediately bolster their young core and help push the team toward playoff contention. On the other hand, Toronto would receive Lucas Raymond, a 22-year-old winger who was drafted fourth overall by Detroit in 2020. Raymond is a restricted free agent (RFA) and has yet to reach a contract extension with the Red Wings, which could make him a valuable addition for the Leafs.
In addition to Raymond, the Maple Leafs would also acquire Jonatan Berggren, a 24-year-old forward who could serve as a bottom-six player for Toronto. They would also receive William Wallinder, a defenseman selected in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft, who projects as a future second or third-pairing player in the NHL. The trade would be rounded out with a 2025 second-round pick. However, for Detroit to seriously consider this deal, they would likely require Marner to agree to a contract extension to ensure his long-term commitment to the Red Wings.
The proposed trade comes amid concerns over Detroit’s delay in signing RFA Lucas Raymond to an extension, which has caused some anxiety among fans. However, Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde has expressed confidence that the deal will get done, stating, “I’m not worried. It’s all part of the process.” Raymond is coming off a strong season in which he played all 82 games, recording 31 goals and 41 assists for 72 points. Lalonde praised Raymond’s development, noting that he returned from the offseason looking like a more mature and improved player.
Meanwhile, Marner, who was drafted by the Maple Leafs with the fourth overall pick in 2015, has expressed a strong desire to remain in Toronto. The hometown star has made it clear that he hopes to sign an extension with the team, saying, “I’ve expressed my love for this place, this city… It means the world to me.” Last season, Marner recorded 26 goals and 59 assists for 85 points in 69 games. Whether or not he remains with the Maple Leafs or moves to another team like Detroit, his future will be a key storyline to watch as the season progresses.
