Marleau on the Block?

Here's one of those instances where it just doesn't seem right to say it. Patrick Marleau is reportedly on the trading block, according to Kevin Kurz at Comcast Sports Network. Marleau would accept a trade to the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and New York Rangers. Let's take a look at where he'd fit best on those teams, assuming a deal comes together.

While it's unlikely Marleau lands with the Ducks, Marleau would be a huge addition to their top 6. I don't see Marleau playing on the top line with Getzlaf and Perry, as Carl Hagelin's speed element seems like a better fit there. Instead, Marleau could be opposite Jakob Silfverberg, a good player in his own right. Centering the line is the two-way pest extraordinaire Ryan Kesler. This primarily allows Patrick Maroon, a third-line grinder with occasional first-line forays, to stay in a role he's better suited for. Again, this is an unlikely trade anyway, being in division and all.

Likewise, Marleau to the Kings doesn't seem all that likely either. I'm not here to rain on parades though, so let's give it a look through. The Kings seem to have a more logical spot for Marleau than the Ducks do. The first line could use a better left wing than Milan Lucic (don't tell him that; he might pummel me), and Marleau fits the bill perfectly. Sure, Gaborik and Marleau on the wings isn't exactly a 2015 gold mine, but Kopitar has enough talent to carry them, even without much speed left for the wingers. The big benefit of this move would be to reunite the That 70s Line of Jeff Carter, Tyler Toffoli, and Tanner Pearson, while putting Lucic on the third line. The Kings have no obligation to Lucic, as he's a mere season-long rental.

The most likely landing spot for Marleau if he is on the move is Broadway. The New York Rangers, however, are the team that needs him the least. Marleau, even at this advanced age, is a second-line player at worst. He's not bumping Chris Kreider off of any lines, and the only way he'd fit on the second line is if Rick Nash switched to right win, sending Kevin Hayes down the depth chart. The Rangers are leading their division right now. They show no signs of slowing down, with Lundqvist in goal and balance throughout the lineup for point production. Oscar Lindberg is a revelation this season so far. Disrupting the chemistry is the last thing the Rangers need at this juncture.

If Marleau does go anywhere, he's going to command a roster player, a mid-range prospect, and a 2nd or 3rd round draft pick, at the minimum. He may be aging, but he's still a top talent. In the end, I don't imagine seeing Marleau wearing anything but a Sharks sweater at the end of the season.

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