We all know the player Mitch can be. We all have PTSD of losing good players and having them go on to be winners elsewhere after being scapegoated. I am sure many people think Marner could be Kadri on steroids and lead another franchise to even a potential dynasty if we give up on him (and is certainly why Shanny has not moved anyone).
But with all of that said, that is hockey and he needs to be the guy who goes. This team in the postseason is better with Bertuzzi and Domi and 11M of cap space than Marner, league min players, and a small amount of cap space.
Tavares deal is done after next season. Leafs could potentially have Matthews and Nylander locked up as their elite forward talent and 22M of cap space + assets returns in Marner trade to add some good players all over the lineup and retain players we developed. No more Hyman situations.
I keep waiting to see Memorial cup MVP Marner, but he is going to be 27 in a week and a half and I am losing hope he ever figures it out.
Best bet might be to sell him to a team like the Blue Jackets or BlackHawks where they see the appeal of a 100 point winger to play with their young center prospects and just want to make the playoffs. Can likely get a good roster player back, short term cap dump, and solid futures (prospects and picks) which we can use to address needs.