Imagine this scenario, dear reader. The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for a new deal with Mitch Marner. They don't have the funds to make it happen, so they're searching for a trade partner. The Vegas Golden Knights come up as a match.
And why not? Envisioning Jack Eichel with the "Core Four" member sounds like an enticing idea. Imagine Eichel's breakout season (28 goals and 94 points) paired with Marner (27 goals and 102 points). That would make a bellhop's head explode.
Alas, that never came to fruition. Marner suffered through another season of not winning the Stanley Cup while the Golden Knights were eliminated by their bitter rivals. Life's not fair for either party.
However, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that it was nearly a reality last offseason. But it never happened. Why? Well, the Maple Leafs asked for Shea Theodore. Here's what happened afterwards.
"As I heard they told people, 'You wanna watch Shea Theodore? You can buy a ticket to watch him play for us.' And they followed through on their word."Elliotte Friedman
Mind you, Theodore had 50 assists this season, a career-high. He also got a shiny new seven-year $51.975 million contract extension with the Golden Knights, solidifying himself as a franchise staple. All that talk of "no loyalty" disappeared like Jordan Binnington's common sense.
But what if a trade materialized between the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights?
Let's say the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vegas Golden Knights actually pulled the trigger on the trade. Marner heads to Las Vegas and bolsters the top line. Shea Theodore ends up becoming another of many Misfits offloaded, ushering in a new era in Vegas hockey.
What happens in both cities? For one, the forward group skyrockets to the moon, particularly the top line. Suddenly, the Golden Knights have a top line that can compete with teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche. It's a scary sight that could've altered the NHL landscape.
However, there's a glaring problem with this. Names like Keegan Kolesar (three years, $7.5 million), Brett Howden (five years, $12.5 million), and Brayden McNabb (three years, $10.95 million) don't get their contract extensions together. It's possible one, maybe two, get extended. Still, depth would become a major issue if it happened.
Secondly, it becomes harder to extend Jack Eichel. Every penny counts when giving your superstar a new deal, especially when he breaks out. If Eichel's price tag rises, how can you sustain a strong team from top to bottom if you're top-heavy? That projected $12-$13 million AAV would've hit like a semitruck.
As for the Maple Leafs? They probably would've been eliminated again. However, they would've gotten their puck-moving defenseman, which would've made them a tougher opponent.
Ironically, that depth question is coming into play this offseason. It's raising questions about which pieces should stay and go.
"Is this William Karlsson's last hurrah with the Golden Knights?"
"Will Ivan Barbashev be traded?"
It's safe to say McCrimmon knows which way he's probably leaning. Still, crazier things have happened before!