DONE DEAL: Trade Pitch Has Red Wings Acquiring Maple Leafs Star $65 Million Forward

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner has been the focus of trade rumors, with one proposal suggesting he could be traded to the Detroit Red Wings.

Marner is approaching the final year of his six-year, $65.4 million contract, making him a sought-after trade target, particularly due to the Maple Leafs’ ongoing struggles in the playoffs. The website PuckPedia features a tool called PuckGM that allows users to craft their own trades, and one user suggested a deal that would see Marner move to the Red Wings in a significant trade.

**Proposed Trade:**

**Red Wings Receive:**

– Mitch Marner

**Maple Leafs Receive:**

– Lucas Raymond

– Jonatan Berggren

– William Wallinder

– 2025 second-round pick

This trade, if executed, would be a major move for both teams. Detroit would gain a star forward in Marner, who could bolster their young core and push for a playoff spot.

On the other hand, Toronto would acquire Lucas Raymond, a 22-year-old winger drafted fourth overall by the Red Wings in 2020. However, Raymond, currently a restricted free agent (RFA), has yet to agree on a contract extension. In addition to Raymond, Toronto would receive Jonatan Berggren, a 24-year-old fringe NHL player who could slot into the bottom six for the Maple Leafs, and William Wallinder, a defenseman drafted in the second round in 2020, who projects as a second or third-pairing defenseman in the NHL.

The Maple Leafs would also receive a 2025 second-round pick to complete the trade. However, for Detroit to seriously consider this deal, they would likely need Marner to agree to a contract extension, ensuring he remains with the Red Wings long-term.

The Red Wings Have Yet to Sign Raymond

The Detroit Red Wings have yet to secure an extension for RFA Lucas Raymond, raising concerns among some fans. However, head coach Derek Lalonde remains unfazed by the situation.

“I’m not worried,” Lalonde said. “This is just part of the process. I’ve had some experience with RFAs before, and it’s all part of the journey.”

Last season, Raymond played all 82 games, scoring 31 goals and 41 assists for a total of 72 points. Lalonde praised Raymond’s progress, noting that he significantly transformed his game.

“He discovered something during his offseason training and came back looking like a different athlete,” Lalonde said. “Part of that is natural maturation—he’s still very young, and his body has naturally developed. Now, it’s just about building on what he accomplished last year.”

Marner Hopeful to be in Toronto Long-Term

Marner was selected by his hometown Maple Leafs as the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Playing for his hometown team, Marner has expressed a strong desire to sign an extension with the Maple Leafs.

“That’d be a goal. I’ve made it clear how much I love this place, this city. I’ve grown up here. We’re starting to think about it now and will try to figure something out… It means the world to me,” Marner said to the media on May 6.

Last season, Marner tallied 26 goals and 59 assists, totaling 85 points in 69 games.