The Toronto Maple Leafs are one among the clubs who could try to sign Jake Guentzel this summer in free agency, according to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff. Assuming they can transfer Mitch Marner first, that is. “There are more than a handful of teams expected to be in the mix for the Stanley Cup-winning winger,” Seravalli writes, implying that the Vancouver Canucks may be the early favorites to push the hardest for Guentzel.
“Both the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs might be players if they deal Mitch Marner and decide not to re-sign Sam Reinhart. Other clubs like the Washington Capitals and maybe even the New York Rangers, if they can find the necessary cap space, will also be there.
Guentzel will be among the most sought-after free agents available this summer, even if there is no assurance the Leafs are even close to dealing Marner and there are rumors the two sides haven’t even talked a trade. The Leafs will probably need to engage in a bidding war if they hope to sign
Is This a Wise Move by the Maple Leafs?
It is expected that Guentzel would want a contract worth at least $65 million, according to Seravalli. Guentzel would reach 30 before making his debut appearance under a new deal. This agreement can be for seven years at an annual cost of $9.5 million. The Carolina Hurricanes, his current team, have stated they are willing to facilitate a sign-and-trade agreement that might result in an eight-year contract.
Nothing indicated that Marner would be traded for Guentzel.
Guentzel would be a more economical choice than Marner, saving almost $2 million a season. Is $2 million better for Marner? That is a question that a lot of fans will have if Seravalli’s article proves to be more than just conjecture.
Both players are excellent, even if their game styles are slightly different from one another. Nevertheless, would it be wiser to instantly flip around and give Guentzel the majority of Marner’s salary if the Leafs are trading Marner in order to free up cash and refocus how they use their cap dollars?
In comparison to Marner, Guentzel would be a more cost-effective option by approximately $2 million per season. Is Marner $2 million better? That is a question many fans will ask if this report by Seravalli turns out to be more than early speculation.
While each offers a slightly different style of game, both players are top-notch. However, if the Leafs are moving Marner to free up money and refocus how they spend their cap dollars, would immediately turning around and giving most of Marner’s money to Guentzel be the savvy play?
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