Leafs and Kings Reportedly Discussing Patrick Marleau Trade

The future for 39 year-old NHL veteran Patrick Marleau has been fairly uncertain. After the Maple Leafs' first-round exit at the hands of the Bruins, there's been plenty of speculation that this could've been Marleau's last season in Toronto.

When Marleau ended his 19-year run with the Sharks, signing a three-year deal with Toronto back in 2017, it was clear he was chasing the cup he never got in San Jose. Now, it seems as though Marleau might be on the move again, reuniting reuniting with a familiar face.

Hearing the Leafs and Kings have talked about a potential Patrick Marleau trade. Obviously there’s the Todd McLellan connection there for Marleau so he might waive. But as of now I don’t think the two teams have found a fit. Kings would need to unload a contract or two as well...
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 31, 2019

The Kings and Maple Leafs are no stranger to one another, as they just made a deal back in January that sent Toronto's first-round pick to LA. With the Kings hiring former Sharks head coach Todd McLellan to be their new bench boss, there's a connection that could make LA more desirable for Marleau.

Marleau and McLellan spent seven years together in San Jose from 2008-2015. McLellan left San Jose as the team's all-time winningest coach, while Marleau left as the leader in all-time goals and points for the franchise.

Report: #MapleLeafs and #LAKings have had talks about a Patrick Marleau trade https://t.co/YuvrGnllNy
— Puck Prose (@Puck_Prose) May 31, 2019

There is plenty that needs to be done in order to make this deal work. If the Leafs want to send Marleau elsewhere, they would first need him to waive his no-trade clause. If Marleau were to waive the clause and allow a trade, it would get rid of his $6.25 million cap hit next season. However, the Kings would have to work some magic of their own to make room for Marleau's contract, which runs until the end of the 2020 NHL season.

A trade to Los Angeles might not make the most sense for the 39-year-old, who just moved his family from California to Toronto two years ago. For a veteran chasing a Stanley Cup, the rebuilding Kings, who finished second-to-last in the league this season, don't seem like a likely suitor.

A deal like this likely wouldn't happen until July, after Marleau is given his $3.25 million signing bonus from the Maple Leafs. If he does choose to waive his clause and reunite with his former head coach in LA, Marleau might not see his Stanley Cup dreams come to fruition.