Mitch Marner
This situation only works if the Arizona Coyotes also target Auston Matthews at the same time, with the Leafs being forced into a huge decision.
Mitch Marner‘s contract situation appears more complicated that Matthews’, with the dynamic winger not willing to discuss a new deal until after the season.
The Coyotes should make a hard move for both Matthews and Marner, with the hope that both players sign – forcing the Leafs into making a decision as to which player they’d prefer to keep.
The dream for the Coyotes would be that the Leafs go with the ‘good Canadian kid’ from Ontario that grew up a Leafs fan, opting to let the Coyotes fan move to the team he secretly wants to play for – we assume.
If this comes to pass, the Coyotes land their dream guy. If the Leafs opted to keep Matthews, however, Arizona would still land one of the best talents in the entire NHL.
With Keller on the left and Marner on the right, the Coyotes could build a hugely talented top line that Barrett Hayton could eventually grow into – giving them a young, dynamic trio for many years to come.
Marner, unfortunately, isn’t likely to sign an offer sheet unless he truly feels the Leafs aren’t offering anywhere near what he believes he is worth.
If that is the situation that comes to pass, the Coyotes could certainly be huge beneficiaries and land a player to boost fan interest and jersey sales.