The Leafs laugh and hang up probably. They are definitely not getting anywhere near Marner's value (when he is struggling) and are barely getting any cap relief by trading him.

Marner is worth a lot more than that

Backlund would be a good fit in Toronto, even if they re-sign O'Reilly, as they could then move Tavares to wing full time, he gets used to it or doesn't.

But the combination of two players in their mid-30s for a 90+ point producing young player isn't enough value.

If the Leafs are serious about moving Marner, and the Flames call, the Leafs should ask for Backlund and Coronato - and if you wish, add a second piece to return to Calgary to balance the deal, depends how you see the value there. But getting a young winger in return in Coronato would be where I'd start as Toronto.

Perhaps Marner and Liljegren for Backlund, Coronato, Tanev and a prospect(s) and/or pick(s)?

All that said, Marner is a playmaker first, so he wouldn't solve the problem of finding Huberdeau a goal scorer to play with.

Marner retained is worth more than that.
Marner unretained is worth more than that.
I think the Flames add a pick, this gets done. Nothing crazy. Maybe a 2nd or 2 3rds?

Actually I don't even want Marner. Much like little johnny he's a small soft and very overpaid perimeter player not a player you build a team around or win in the playoffs with unless he has bigger better grittier players on his line to do all the heavy lifting and take the pressure off him.

This is about the only Marner trade that makes any sense at all for the Flames and even then only if Backlund decides not to extend with Calgary. Toronto asking for Coronato or any of the Flames best young players/prospects would be a deal breaker unless Toronto retains 50% which would make trading Marner away pointless.

It's good for Toronto because they get two good players who are really good defensively and though not tough guys they're both a lot grittier than Marner too. Backlund also has more offensive skill than most realize he just doesn't show it often because he prioritizes stopping the other team from scoring.



That'd be a reasonable ask but the retention is necessary.