Team: 2024-25 Carolina Hurricanes

Initial Creation Date: Apr. 28, 2024

Published: Apr. 28, 2024

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Throwing my hat in the ring of the hundreds of Marner trades today. Something has to change with the Leafs’ core, and he’s, obviously, the easiest piece to move. Carolina gets a scoring winger who kills penalties, and he saves them from having to re-sign Guentzel into his thirties. They can go for broke and try to win the ’25 Cup, and let the Marner UFA pieces fall as they may, or they can try to re-sign him to a big extension. I do think he would waive to join a fast-paced, contending team in a good-weather city.

The Canes also get out from under KK’s contract, while the Leafs can hope he makes some strides. I think it would help him to play with a center on his wing in Tavares (see corresponding ACGM). At worst, he becomes a cost-controlled third- or fourth-line center for Toronto.

The trade also opens up Carolina to trade Necas. I think Chicago is a dark-horse trade candidate, so they can get a big scoring winger with Bedard. Even giving Marty 8x8, he’d be in his prime when they start to contend. In return, Carolina gets speed (Athanasiou), which they love, and picks. More additions on the margins instead of bringing back Skjei, Pesce, Noesen, Teravainen, etc.

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