Coyotes Reportedly Interested in Patrick Marleau if Leafs Throw in Another Trade Chip
By Charles Nason
Typically the pursuit of a 39 year-old forward wouldn't be the first task on a team's offseason checklist. However, a high-profile scorer and leader like Patrick Marleau is bound to attract some attention. Marleau's destination is still uncertain if he chooses to part ways with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
After a report surfaced that the Kings and Leafs were in trade talks about Marleau, another Western Conference team has emerged in the discussions.
Leafs and Coyotes have also chatted about Patrick Marleau. My sense is that for Arizona to get more interested Toronto would have to attach a premium asset in the trade as well.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 2, 2019
The Arizona Coyotes finished at the bottom of the Pacific Division last season with only 29 wins all year. They also happen to be lacking the NHL experience of a guy like Marleau, with their oldest players being 34 and an average age of 27.2. Looking for elevated scoring and veteran leadership, the Coyotes have sought out Marleau in recent trade talks.
According to Pierre LeBrun's report, the Leafs are looking for a decent assest from the Coyotes in order to sweeten the deal.
Marleau won't start the season in Toronto. https://t.co/BoqJhEhFww
— NHL Prospects Watcher (@Prospects_Watch) June 2, 2019
The Coyotes have plenty of young players at their disposal. However, they aren't exactly loaded with talented players they'd be willing to give away for Marleau.
Although Arizona could probably make this deal work, it might not be the wisest move for a team in need of immediate wins. If they can make the trade for Marleau work without dealing any of their top players, his experience, leadership, and scoring touch would be a solid addition to the Coyotes offensive core.