It makes the most sense if you think you can re-sign Tkachuk for 9mil or less, than you can use the extra cap space to improve the team depth.

Tkachuk for Marner alone does not make the 5th-13th forwards any better.

Nope

I mean if the flames added, I would think about it but I don't think Calgary would do that

I'll kinda disagree. Leafs likely won't be signing Tkachuk. So it's really a two year trade for Marner for Tkachuk...I believe Tkachuk will be QO for 9m next season. So the benefit to the Leafs will having 11m in cap space starting in 23/24 when Marner (or Tkachuk) aren't Leafs.

Thing about evaluating toughness that I think gets lost in the shuffle is how much more valuable it is being able to play 20+ minutes a night and capable of not only playing with skilled forwards but being capable to produce effectively and not slow the skill down. That combination is very rare and very tough to fill. Would it make Toronto better probably not during the season but the way in which it would certain change the style of play I could see being in Toronto’s favour come playoffs. Getting a guy who is terrific at getting in people’s heads that is highly valuable alone in a playoff series. He is a much nastier version of Hyman capable of everything Hyman brought and more. I think it’s a win win for both clubs personally.

i feel like if the leafs trade marner, it needs to be for some combo of picks and a solid forward prospect + top/middle six player who’s getting paid <$7m. if they trade him, they’re doing it to improve the depth on the team, not to acquire a better player. tkachuk just adds another really expensive forward with a tiny bit of extra cap space.

The leafs would want a first rounder and a top prospect as well.

there not acquiring a better player because Marner is a way better player then Tkachuk.

So if Tkachuk signs for more then his brother who just got 8.25 million a year, how would this trade help the leafs. Marner regular season games 357 goals 103 assists 256 points 359 plus 48. playoffs 32 games 5 goals 20 assists minus 1. tkachuk regular season 349 games 110 goals 168 assists points 278 plus 6. playoffs 15 games 3 goals 2 assists minus 5. Marner the last 2 seaon has had more ice time then any other forward in the league. the only thing Tkachuk does better is hit and be a pest, skill wise their not in the same universe.

The leafs would want the other teams best forward- 2nd best defenseman and a first rounder. This kid has made every center he's played with have a career year in goals. He also would quarterback the pp and be the best pk player. There isn't a player the leafs would trade straight up for Marner in the league of course excluding McDaivd, McKinnon and Draisaitl.