Report: More rumblings of a Mitch Marner trade to Utah

The offseason hasn't even truly begun and we're already knee deep in Mitch Marner trade rumors.

Yesterday, TSN NHL insider Darren Dreger reported that Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving may elect to keep and re-sign Marner to a long-term deal if he can't get the kind of value in a trade that he expects. In theory Marner should net the Leafs a healthy return on the trade market, but because teams know that things are rocky between the Leafs and Marner it could drive his price down. That's what Treliving is looking to avoid, according to Dreger.

Among the interested teams in a hypothetical Marner trade, I'm most intrigued by Utah HC, formerly the Arizona Coyotes. Multiple rumor reports have indicated that Utah is looking to make a big move and add 'face recognition' to their roster this offseason for their inaugural season in their new home. Just yesterday, NHL insider David Pagnotta reported that Utah is looking to make a big splash at the NHL Draft and will flip their 6th overall pick for a player or a package of players.

From Pagnotta:

Obviously, Utah isn't going to land Marner for a simple draft pick but the pick could be used in conjunction with other assets to come to a deal. Utah doesn't have the hulking #1 defenseman that the Leafs are looking for though, so the two teams would have to get awfully creative to make all the parts fit. Still, with over $40 million in projected cap space this offseason, don't be surprised if Utah makes a big move to acquire a high ticket player like Marner. Stay tuned.