The problem with that is that the Toronto Maple Leafs are up against the NHL’s salary cap, while Patrick Marleau has declined to the point where he scored less points per minute of 5v5 ice-time than Frederik Gauthier last year.
That didn’t stop coach Mike Babcock from giving him just over one minute of ice time less per game than John Tavares, but it did help the Leafs fail to advance to the second round.
If not for Mitch Marner’s contract situation, somehow moving Patrick Marleau’s contract would be the top priority of this Leafs off-season.
Enter the Kings
According to sage insider Pierre LeBrun, the Toronto Maple Leafs and LA kings are talking turkey.