Even while the Stanley Cup Final is still happening, this time of year brings plenty of interesting trade speculation. Today, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic tweeted that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings have discussed a potential Patrick Marleau trade, though they haven’t been able to find a fit yet. Marleau has a full no-movement clause and can decide his future, though LeBrun points out the connection he has to new Kings head coach Todd McLellan from their days in San Jose.
Marleau, 39, saw his production decline severely this season, posting his lowest goal total since he was an 18-year old rookie in 1997-98. Those 16 tallies and 37 points were a disappointing result for the legendary forward, who continued his iron man streak and has now completed ten straight seasons without missing a game. Still, he is looked to as an important leader for the Maple Leafs and has been leaned on by head coach Mike Babcock in important situations. His defensive responsibility is still there, and the Maple Leafs have even used him at center sporadically when necessary.
Even with all that however, a trip to the west coast certainly wouldn’t be about improving the Kings roster for next season. Los Angeles is in the early stages of a rebuild, and would likely only entertain the idea of a Marleau trade if it meant they could either rid themselves of a bad contract or acquire some additional assets. The veteran forward has just one year remaining on his contract and is owed just $1.25MM after his signing bonus is paid out on July 1, but still carries a $6.25MM cap hit for the 2019-20 season. That’s exactly the reason the Maple Leafs are exploring a trade, given their impending cap crunch.
The Kings and Maple Leafs have been trading partners recently, as the two hooked up on a swap revolving around Jake Muzzin earlier this season. That saw Toronto hand over their first-round pick along with two highly touted prospects, helping along the Los Angeles rebuild. Perhaps there is more to be discussed, but we’ll have to wait to see if Marleau is even willing to waive his no-movement clause at all.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
That would be the most awkward thing to see. But some kind of Kovalchuk swap would work
Hope he doesn’t waive. These guys who get no movement or trade clauses in their contracts and then are asked to waive them 1 or 2 years later are not doing any favours to the NHLPA. It’s weakening the language and validity of the contract – and will set precedents for future players to waive them if asked (so what’s the point of having one? Having the team ask you before they surprise you with a trade? Maybe that’s what it should be called then)
If he has a Clause,he will not go or Retire Marleau left to be closer to home,nice try MLBTR
nice try mlbtr? this is a rumour circulating.nit wasnt created by Gavin. geez
Lol the Leafs are a tire fire
Welcome to daytime’s newest hit soap: “As the G.T.A. Churns…” This one doesn’t have Win-Win written anywhere…
Wrong, the reason they get that is so THEY can choose, not so the trades dont happen.
Rob Blake has showed some pretty bad judgement thus far, I dont feel good about this FO.
PM,Kadri,Ziet,3rd rd for Doughty. LOL.
If Toronto can maybe send Marleau to Los Angeles and get a few 3rd round picks, in next 2 years, that would help Toronto can get a few picks back to make up for first rounder for Muzzin, and that will be a salary dump to put on table for Marner, Johnsson, or maybe Kapanen,
I think you will be lucky if the leafs send Marleau and a 4th for 1x3rd.
wonder if you could see something like a trevor Lewis and a 5th for Marleau and a 3rd type of deal.
Why would Marleau accept a trade from a Cup contender to a Pacific Division cellar dweller? So he can reunite with TMac? The Kings roster is a complete mess. No way this happens.
I agree. I wonder if you maybe see Lou get involved. Isles could use a veteran and on a one year contract with tons of cap space, I’m wondering if he plays the leafs against themselves. say leafs get a defenceman and isles get marleau and one of kapanen or Johnsson.
I didn’t think the kings could get any older. Apparently I was wrong.
I don’t think that’s it at all. Gives the player the power. Many players don’t get the clauses so they stay with the same team for the entire deal. They do it so they have power to go when and where they want. And if they’re good enough, they can demand a renegotiated contract with the receiving team. I don’t think it hurts the players or the union at all. Just empowers them.
He goes to LA with a top prospect who will play for them. Not much goes back to Toronto unless it is a bad contract as well, but one more palatable to the Leafs.
Yeah right. One year 6 mil for a guy with 2 yrs 6 mil. Makes sense to me dough head
Right. Know what you’re talking about before posting.
His family is still in California.