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The Toronto Maple Leafs Have Found Mitch Marner's Replacement, But They Must Act Fast
Photo credit: Imagn Images
With Mitch Marner likely walking away in free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs have to make some difficult decisions, and the Buffalo Sabres might just have an answer.
Overall, the Mitch Marner situation is one that is giving a lot of Leafs fans a panic attack prior to July 1st. The forward is expected to leave, and the franchise will likely get nothing in return.
The forward had 102 points worth of production this season, which included 27 goals and 75 assists. Without him, Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies would have a much more difficult time scoring goals.
Consequently, there is a lot of fear concerning who will replace Marner when he leaves. It's a tall task, and general manager Brad Treliving has to figure it out.
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However, Treliving may have just gotten himself a gift. According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, the Buffalo Sabres are seemingly willing to part ways with Alex Tuch.
There is a fear he will leave once he becomes a UFA. With one year left on his deal at a cap hit of $4.75 million, Tuch would be an easy player to trade.
It also helps that last season, the right-winger had 36 goals, as well as 67 points and a +16 on an abysmal team. All signs point to him being a top trade target this summer.
Alex Tuch, coming off a 36-goal season, has one year left before becoming a UFA; if he doesn't want to sign an extension, GM Kevyn Adams likely needs to move him to ensure he doesn't walk for no return.
When you think about how Tuch is a high-producer and also plays the same position as Marner, it becomes quite clear what the Toronto Maple Leafs have to do.
If Treliving doesn't kick tires on Alex Tuch, he would be committing general manager malpractice. If you are a fan, you want the Leafs to try and make this trade happen.
Only time will tell what the Leafs will do this offseason, and whether or not it improves the team. If Mitch Marner does leave, it's going to be tough no matter what.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 10 | 280 ANSWERS The Toronto Maple Leafs Have Found Mitch Marner's Replacement, But They Must Act Fast Would Alex Tuch be a good player for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 198 | 70.7 % |
| NO | 82 | 29.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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