You have a point but if there’s no retention on Marner, there definitely wouldn’t be a big add from Nashville cuz Marner’s contract brings down his value a little.

You are a robot

no, that's not how it works. You see one is an older player at the end of his career just coming off a concussion and that brings down his value significantly more than marners contract does.
The Leafs would be paying for a declining player to get a burst now while the predators would be getting a player just about to enter into their prime where he could very well score 100 points a year for them every year that his current contract exists.
The Predators would need to add big.

I think you are undervaluing Ellis a bit. Yes he’s coming off a concussion & is 29, but when he returned from injury he played very well. So that’s an indication he can still maintain his level for a few more seasons. Adding him puts Toronto in a better position to win cups than with Marner, so even if they win just 1 or 2, it’ll be worth it.

you may think im undervaluing Ellis, but you, as literally always, are undervaluing Marner significantly.

Just now seeing this. I don't think it's realistic, but it's pretty close to what the Preds would have to do to backfill Ellis' role if he's traded to improve the top 6. I'd also hope you could find a trade partner for Turris instead of the buyout option.