Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY

NHL Analyst Proposes Bold Mitch Marner for Mikko Rantanen Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 29, 2024 7:15 AM ET

NHL analyst Anson Carter has stirred the hockey world by suggesting a blockbuster trade between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Colorado Avalanche.

That's nothing out of the ordinary, but what makes this scenario unique is the fact that both franchises would be swapping star wingers Mitch Marner and Mikko Rantanen.

Carter proposed the idea on Thursday's TSN broadcast of the game between the Avs and the Vegas Golden Knights, arguing during the first intermission that such a trade could resolve potential contract challenges for both franchises.

“Marner, you’re not going to make more than Nathan MacKinnon,” Carter said. “And if Rantanen is looking for more money, maybe you swing Marner over to Colorado, and Rantanen to Toronto, where they could theoretically pay him more than Auston Matthews.”

The rationale behind Anson's proposal is rooted in financial logistics and salary scales potentially impacting future deals in both Toronto and Colorado.

Rantanen, who believes can get a contract worth $14 million annually in free agency, could face a cap ceiling in Denver due to MacKinnon’s $12.6 million AAV as the most important and best player in the franchise.

Meanwhile, Marner, earning $10.9 million, has been under scrutiny in Toronto for postseason performances and faces a ceiling of $13.25 million imposed by Auston Matthews' deal.

.@AnsonCarterLA just proposed a Marner for Rantanen trade... pic.twitter.com/ybDQh6YGh0
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) November 28, 2024

Rantanen, a 6-foot-4 winger, is regarded as one of Colorado’s most dominant playoff performers. Conversely, Marner has faced criticism for underwhelming postseason play despite his offensive production during the regular season.

That could be the main problem in agreeing to a one-for-one trade, even if the contract figures fit in terms of the salaries earned by Marner and Rantanen during their expiring seasons.

This year, Marner has 29 points in 22 games including nine goals and 20 assists for the 13-7-2 Maple Leafs while Rantanen has notched 32 points in 23 games (14 goals, 18 assists) for the 13-10-0 Avs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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