The Toronto Maple Leafs have a pressing need to fill a top-six forward role following Mitch Marner’s offseason move to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Heavy.com recently floated a blockbuster trade idea that would bring Jonathan Marchessault to Toronto from the Nashville Predators:
Trade Proposal:
- Maple Leafs receive: Jonathan Marchessault
- Predators receive: Nick Robertson, Calle Jarnkrok, 2027 second-round pick
This hypothetical trade would give the Leafs a proven top-line winger in exchange for two roster players and a future draft pick. However, by dealing a second-rounder, Toronto would enter the next two drafts without a first- or second-round selection.
Marchessault, who still has four years remaining on a five-year, $27.5 million contract ($5.5 million AAV), would help fill the offensive void left by Marner. Though he’s coming off a relatively modest season (21 goals, 35 assists in 78 games), he’s well-regarded for his playoff performances—highlighted by his Conn Smythe Trophy win in 2023 as the Golden Knights captured the Stanley Cup.
For Nashville, the deal would bring in Nick Robertson, a young forward with upside who hasn’t had a consistent role in Toronto. Set to become a restricted free agent, Robertson registered 15 goals and 7 assists over 69 games last season and could slot into a middle-six role with the Predators. Calle Jarnkrok, who has one year left on a four-year, $8.4 million deal, would add veteran depth to Nashville’s forward group. His name has already surfaced in trade rumors as Toronto looks to clear cap space.
Leafs Still Looking to Replace Marner
Although the Leafs have added Mattias Maccelli, general manager Brad Treliving admitted they haven’t truly filled the gap Marner left.
“When a player of Mitch’s magnitude moves away, that’s never a fun day,” Treliving said on July 1. “Mitch was a top-six forward, and we haven’t replaced that hole. That’s really where our focus is.”
With cap flexibility and tradeable assets, Marchessault could be a logical target—especially given his playoff pedigree.
Nashville Unlikely to Move Marchessault
Despite the speculation, Predators GM Barry Trotz has publicly dismissed any plans to trade Marchessault.
“There’s no truth to any of that (trade speculation),” Trotz said. “If [Marchessault] was looking for something, he’d be calling his agent and he’d be calling me. So there’s nothing to that.”
Trotz reaffirmed that his focus is on returning Nashville to the playoffs after a disappointing 30-44-8 season, the third-worst record in the league.
While the rumored deal is intriguing from Toronto’s perspective, any real movement would depend on Nashville’s willingness to part ways with Marchessault—a scenario that, for now, seems unlikely.
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