So I’ve seen it heavily suggested that Carolina is going in, as are Vegas. I think it’s a lot harder for Vegas because they would need to move pieces – pieces they have won with – out in order to afford Marner (like Karlsson or a Barbashev) – or possibly Hertl. I’ve also seen it suggested that Marner isn’t what Carolina needs and they know it – but they were willing to flip Rantanen for him.
The other names you hear a lot are LA and Utah. Lifestyle-wise, LA is cool and all – but I guess now that’s he’s a relatively newlywed with a newborn, they’d need to decide on what type of lifestyle they want. There are a lot of US markets that would offer a lot more anonymity and lot less vitriol than Toronto.
But with a young child, I’d imagine proximity to family is important to both. You may have money, but being cooped up in airplanes for hours on end all the time is exhausting.
It might be the lure to keep him on the east coast. You don’t hear a lot about the Rangers, likely because of their NMCs – but Drury has shown a real compunction to tell people to F-Off and want to get rid of them, so who knows?
I think if I were gambling, I’d lay odds on Carolina because of the east coast relationship. My dark horse would be Chicago because getting Bedard someone like Marner to play with would send a message that’s loud and clear.
That said, your point about San Jose is decent – but I think I’d be fearful that in 2 years I’m re-upping Celebrini, Smith Eklund and a few others (that won’t command nearly as much), but I don’t know if I want to invest 15% of my cap in a guy who will be 31 when I’m resigning Celebrini – and will be setting the bar for the contracts on the team. – Monkey Puck
Good points on what Vegas would need to give up to clear the cap space to be able to sign Marner. I think almost if not every team in the NHL would want him on their team but that’s the issue or question – what do they have to sacrifice to be able to fit him in financially (we know this is very likely the situation in Toronto for instance).
Also good point on proximity to family and LA is quite a ways away but again off seasons in Muskoka and being on the road during the season as much as he is already maybe the change isn’t THAT drastic?
I don’t see the Rangers because the pressure there although less that Toronto is still pretty intense as is the media scrutiny. You could be right on Carolina and I said this before a Marner / Bedard combo would be pretty wild and impressive. Who knows a dark horse may come and get him and shock us all or he may end up staying in Toronto and shock almost the entire world at this point.
I guess we will see – is is July yet!?