Ridiculous Rangers mock trade sends Artemi Panarin away for Maple Leafs downgrade

he New York Rangers are expected to pursue a new right winger for their first line this offseason. There are multiple options out there, including Toronto star Mitch Marner. The Maple Leafs have considered moving on from Marner after another disappointing postseason run, giving the Blueshirts a chance for a significant upgrade.

With trade rumors involving Marner circulating the hockey world, fans have begun to theorize what the Rangers would need to give up to acquire the star. It’s essential that the Blueshirts avoid overpaying or giving away any of their top talent, as shown in a recent ridiculous mock trade presented by fans.

The Rangers can not give up their best player to acquire Mitch Marner as one mock trade suggests

In a recent update posted on Heavy, one fan proposed a one-for-one mock trade between the Rangers and the Maple Leafs including Artemi Panarin and Marner. The idea is that both players possess similar skill sets — Panarin is a bit better, but Marner is a bit younger.

The Blueshirts need to avoid giving up top talent like Panarin in a potential trade for Marner. Adding the Toronto star to the lineup would bring a significant increase in production from the first line, but the second line would take a massive hit without their star left winger. Alexis Lafreniere and Vincent Trocheck should be able to produce on their own, but Panarin’s impact is too important to send away in exchange for a less skilled player.

What should the Rangers offer in a potential trade package?

If the Maple Leafs ultimately do shop Marner this summer, he’s going to be traded for quite a large return package. Multiple teams across the league have already expressed interest, with Vegas and Utah expected to go all in for the star winger.

Whoever acquires Marner will likely have to give up at least one of their top players as part of the deal. This creates a massive issue for the Rangers, who once again should not be willing to move on from top talent such as Panarin. Because of this, it seems unrealistic that the Rangers will land Marner this summer. It’s best that the Blueshirts stick with their core players and look for a cheaper free agent to play on the first line next season.