Reports are buzzing about the Toronto Maple Leafs potentially signing forward Jake Guentzel, but only if Mitch Marner is traded first. Since their playoff loss to the Boston Bruins, the Leafs have been rumored to be shaking things up, with a possible trade involving Marner at the forefront. This speculation has led to intense discussions about what the team might do with the salary cap space from a Marner trade. Today, a new angle has emerged. According to Frank Seravalli, if Marner is traded, the Leafs might use the freed-up cap space to sign Jake Guentzel. This move would bring a proven top-six winger with playoff experience to Toronto's lineup. <q> Frank Seravalli doubles down on his Mitch Marner take: I think the Leafs are going to make a play and basically back him into a corner over the next three weeks, saying, 'Mitch, it's been great, but we're moving on. So whether it's now or eight months from now, your time's up.' #leafsforever [via: The DFO Rundown podcast] [H/T: @nylanderthews] </q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/leafslatest/status/1800235552052052299'> </a></blockquote></div> Trading Marner and signing Guentzel would give the Leafs a solid forward and allow them to focus on securing the best possible return in the Marner deal, whether it involves future prospects or current assets. <q> The Leafs are grouped with a handful of teams that could make a run at Jake Guentzel in free agency. This likely happens only if Mitch Marner is dealt away. [via: @frank_seravalli] #leafsforever </q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/leafslatest/status/1803140149565436136'> </a></blockquote></div> While these discussions are still in the early stages, there's often truth to persistent rumors. <q> If Mitch Marner gets dealt, the Leafs could make a run at signing Jake Guentzel </q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/tlndc/status/1803114488796791126'> </a></blockquote></div> If a Marner trade is imminent, expect the Leafs to act quickly to secure Guentzel before free agency begins.