Hopefully, I just hope they have an expansive idea of realism.
The alternative to not trading Marner is signing him, and I'm having trouble getting myself on board with that right now, and that's even before the term or $ is considered because I question now whether the group mix is right.
At this point, I feel a conference final appearance is nearly necessary to quell the past disappointments. Perhaps that's too much to ask, but something emphatic is needed.
I’m not a huge Marner fan, but I appreciate his undeniable talent.
I appreciate and recognize his incredible skills, but I don’t feel he is a player you go into a battle royal of a playoff, where every inch of ice is fought for, and you pay a heavy physical price while hopefully dishing it out too.
He’s done nothing to show that he’s that kind of player. Not that anyone of our high priced players have demonstrated any Cro-Magnon like tendencies in the past, but Marner’s absence has been the most glaring in the past. Then add the mental mistakes.
I really think this is a pivotal playoff for him specifically, as he is the only UFA of consequence at this time. Matthews and Nylander are extended and Tavares is taking a pay cut. That is non-negotiable.
What remains with Marner is by extending Marner and giving him the $12m minimum that he’s asking, does he make a difference to this team winning and being Stanley Cup champions?
We’ve shown we can win without him. Treliving has shown he can bring players like Domi and Bertuzzi who we didn’t have before. He brings in talent that can play with our talent, who also make us harder to play against in a way Marner never can.
We have a glaring gap at 1RHD and will have another glaring gap at 2C with Tavares winding down.
$12m would fill this gaps with money to spare.
Marner is what he is. Supremely talented, but he isn’t hardwired nor is he hard to play against. $12m brings us 2-3 quality players who help us shore up existing areas of weakness in a way we can’t if he’s extended.
I just find the opportunity cost to keeping him far exceeds what he has brought in the past and what I expect him to bring going forward.
He’s no playoff beast. He’s a happy go lucky smiley kid that isn’t built for playoff hockey, but is going to get paid because of his talents.
We need more diversified skills.