Mitch Marner's Most Viable Replacement Has Officially Become Available to the Leafs

Mitch Marner has reportedly made it clear that he no longer wants to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. As a result, the Leafs must now focus on finding a replacement.

High-value free agents will be hard to come by this offseason. There are some solid players available, but finding one who can get you 102 points is practically impossible.

This means Leafs general manager Brad Treliving will have to be strategic in who he targets. Thankfully, a gift has been presented to him, and he would be smart to act as soon as July 1st hits.

According to a new report from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, it has been made apparent that Nikolaj Ehlers will test free agency on July 1st.

The Winnipeg Jets winger had 24 goals and 63 points this season, but his playing time has been limited to just 16 minutes per game.

He is easily the second-most valued winger on the market behind Marner, and on a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs, he would be able to get more ice time and score more points.

Based on the way things are going, Ehlers is probably due for a deal worth around $10 million per season. However, this is significantly lower than what Marner would cost you.

Furthermore, he is a proven player, and he is someone that Leafs fans could appreciate should he be the heir apparent to Marner.

Of course, numerous teams will be gunning for Ehler, and the fact that he plays on the left-hand side as opposed to the right might just be a deterrent.

But for now, this could be the Leafs' ticket to finding themselves in a really good spot come the beginning of next season.