Mitch Marner's Free Agency Plans Likely Locked In After Trade Deadline
With the NHL Trade Deadline over, focus now shifts to Toronto's biggest concern which is Mitch Marner's contract, but he has something else planned it seems.
With the focus now on the regular season and playoffs now that the NHL Trade Deadline is over and done with, the Maple Leafs need to buckle down and do their best to weather the storms in Tampa Bay and Florida as both teams added some big pieces to their lineup.
But with all the focus on the rest of the year, one big question still remains: What about Mitch Marner?
With Mikko Rantanen being traded and then signed to an eight-year extension for $12 AAV (much lower than anticipated though Texas' tax situation had a lot to do with it), Marner is the top name available and for the Maple Leafs; it's not a good sign.
It's been revealed that Marner is reportedly going to test all of his options in free agency now that he's the top dog available, and is looking to make a huge payday.
This season, Marner has 77 points in 61 games (19G, 58A) while adding a plus-10 in 21:35 TOI and playing exceptional defense.
According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, Marner is looking to use his career season in addition to a hopefully strong playoff push in order to maximize his value to fill both his and agent Darren Ferris' pockets.
Mitch Marner is «more than willing» to test the market this offseason. If he uses his leverage, his next contract could exceed Mikko Rantanen's, depending on the team.
Marner is in his prime and on pace for a 100-point or close to 100-point season. A strong playoff run would only strengthen his value, while Rantanen's deal serves as a reference point.
Carolina reportedly offered Rantanen over $100 million (more than $12.5M AAV for eight years), but he took less due to tax considerations.
If Marner hits free agency, he'll be the top player available, with multiple teams bidding. No matter what happens in the coming months, he's in a position to land a massive deal.
Marner is in his prime and on pace for a 100-point or close to 100-point season. A strong playoff run would only strengthen his value, while Rantanen's deal serves as a reference point.
Carolina reportedly offered Rantanen over $100 million (more than $12.5M AAV for eight years), but he took less due to tax considerations.
If Marner hits free agency, he'll be the top player available, with multiple teams bidding. No matter what happens in the coming months, he's in a position to land a massive deal.
So can Toronto even fathom a Marner deal?
Mitch Marner Holds All The Cards But Is Taking A Gamble
While he is undoubtedly the team's MVP this season, and a strong playoff push will no doubt raise his stock, but who has money to pay him?
Most of the teams with extra cap room are nowhere near competing. Chicago, San Jose, and Utah are all rebuilding or middling clubs.
Is the chance to play with Connor Bedard or Macklin Celebrini enough to warrant another three of four years; especially if he doesn't do anything again this season?
Columbus and Calgary make interesting cases as bubble teams who could use a player like Marner to push them over the top.
With Calgary, he would reunite with former teammate Nazem Kadri and could become a solid 1-2 punch with young forward Connor Zary.
Columbus has a solid core with a lot of youth like Adam Fantilli, Kirill Marchenko, and Dmitri Voronkov who would benefit immensely from a player of Marner's caliber, and giving Zach Werenski another player to feed outlet passes to, it's a scary Blue Jackets team.
But Marner is gambling a lot of potential success now in his prime for a few years in the future when he is in his 30's.
If he can win now, it may make the decision to help a weaker club more but if he loses again, does he want to risk his best years?
Only time will tell, but for Marner it seems like July 1 can't come soon enough; especially if he finds himself with another early exit.
| POLL | ||
MARS 8 | 718 ANSWERS Mitch Marner's Free Agency Plans Likely Locked In After Trade Deadline Do you think Mitch Marner is going to be the highest paid player in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 198 | 27.6 % |
| No | 520 | 72.4 % |
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