NHL analyst Paul Bissonnette is calling for a seismic shift in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ roster this offseason. With Mitch Marner approaching free agency, Bissonnette believes the Leafs should let him walk and instead make a blockbuster move for Mikko Rantanen.
Speaking on Spittin’ Chiclets, Bissonnette made his stance clear: if Marner delivers another underwhelming playoff performance, Toronto should prioritize signing Rantanen—even if it means overpaying.
“If the Leafs move on from Marner and don’t re-sign him, I would 100% go after Rantanen,” Bissonnette said. “I’d overpay to make it happen.”
Rantanen, recently traded from the Avalanche to the Hurricanes after failing to reach a contract extension, could hit the open market on July 1—potentially at the same time as Marner. Bissonnette envisions Toronto swapping Marner for Rantanen to reshape their lineup.
Statistically, both players have put up impressive numbers this season. Rantanen has tallied 25 goals and 39 assists for 64 points in 50 games, while Marner has notched 15 goals and 53 assists for 68 points over the same span.
Why Rantanen Over Marner?
Bissonnette argues that replacing Marner with Rantanen would make the Leafs a stronger playoff contender, citing size and physicality as key factors.
“Toronto would have a team built for deep playoff runs,” he explained. “Knies is going to be a stud, Tavares could return on a team-friendly deal, Nylander and Matthews are big, fast, dynamic players—and then you add Rantanen. That’s a true playoff team.”
A two-time All-Star and 2022 Stanley Cup champion, Rantanen brings both size and experience to the table—qualities that Bissonnette believes give him an edge over Marner in postseason play.
Marner Wants to Stay in Toronto
Despite the speculation, Marner himself is reportedly eager to remain a Maple Leaf.
TSN insider Darren Dreger recently revealed that both Toronto’s front office and Marner share mutual interest in a contract extension.
“Toronto wants to sign Marner, and by all indications, he wants to stay and be a lifelong Maple Leaf,” Dreger said. “The business side complicates things, but if Marner were ready to negotiate, Toronto would move immediately to lock him in.”
A three-time All-Star, Marner remains a key piece of the Maple Leafs’ core. Whether Toronto ultimately keeps him or makes a bold play for Rantanen could be one of the defining storylines of the offseason.
