NHL Rumours: Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers

It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re closing in on the start of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Finals, but there’s plenty to talk about on the rumour front. There may be some major moves coming this offseason as teams try to make a play at the Stanley Cup. Could we see a blockbuster deal this summer? Today’s NHL rumours focus on the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers.

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours

Toronto Maple Leafs

Rumour: David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period speculated on a possible Mitch Marner for Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros trade to bolster both teams.

Analysis: Marner seems to the one singled out for the team’s most-recent playoff exit to the Boston Bruins. Both Marner and John Tavares are heading into the final year of their respective contacts. However, it doesn’t seem that Tavares will waive his no-trade clause this offseason. This leaves Marner as the possible trade chip, but the Leafs want talent that can play right away.

According to Pagnotta, some in Marner’s camp feel a change of location might do him some good. However, Marner also has a full no-trade clause and would have to approve any prospective deal. The main question is where would Marner want to play if he was open to a swap.

Enter General Manager Barry Trotz of the Predators, he might be willing to listen for a deal on his starting goalie, Saros. The Finnish netminder has one more year left on his deal, but there could be some complications. Nashville has Yaroslav Askarov waiting in the wings to be the future in goal. Trotz might be willing to give the crease to the Russian goalie.

This trade would help the Predators address some complimentary scoring issues. Filip Forsberg has done plenty heavy lifting, but needs help. Toronto does like Joseph Woll, but there are injury concerns about him. Getting Saros would ease some of that stress in the blue paint.

Florida Panthers

Rumour: Sportsnet’s Luke Fox released his list of the top-12 unrestricted free agents this offseason. Florida 50-goal scorer Sam Reinhart is at the top of the UFA wish list.