Maybe a $12M contract isn't entirely a deal-breaker in terms of adding a talent like Marner, and still having room to add. McDonagh will be going away in a bit, and Josi not long after. By the time we actually got a #1C in the cross-hairs, with the Cap continuing to rise, it probably wouldn't be a problem.
But I'm definitely not signing up for that *AND* trading a huge package of assets for the privilege. If he was a UFA, fine. Come here, pay less taxes, make more money. (Won't get any Selke nominations or the same endorsements however). Will win just as much, though! Shouldn't be impossible to lure Marner here as a free agent? Just... I'm a firm "no" on trading for him.
I'd be more interested in Brady Tkachuk if he still wants out of Ottawa. He makes as much impact in games, and is already more manageably under contract for 4 more years.