Joined: May 2022
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I would be very surprised if they let Marner go unless it's for another superstare in a 1 for 1 or 2 for 1 deal. If anyone, it's mostly Nylander or Matthews or both who get traded. I
First off, you can basically consider Tavares gone or take him out of the equation because even if he is re-signed, it would be as a role player and/or a team friendly deal. His trade protection+cap hit+age basically eliminates the chance of a trade. So, that leaves you with Matthews, Nylander, and Marner really.
You probably picked Marner as he has no trade protection but considering that he's very effective on both sides of the ice, even strength and on special teams, replacing him in terms of roles might not be all that simple. You might have picked Marner, since you're satisfied with what Knies brings but there's still a lot that is unknown about him and his fit in the roster.
If Matthews extends, I don't seem them shipping off Marner+Nylander or just Marner since the first case just leaves them with Matthews in the long-term and the other option is plausible but I think Matthews+Marner are seen as more of a duo vs Matthews+Nylander.
If Matthews requests a trade or agrees to a trade then the decision is basically made already.
If Matthews doesn't commit to a new deal or request a trade, then the only safe bet would be to trade Nylander since there's the possibility that Matthews just walks. Nylander's own contract situation would be relevant.