Toronto Maple Leafs: Mitch Marner’s Contract Negotiations Could Be Tough

With Mitch Marner eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1st with the Toronto Maple Leafs, negotiations might not be easy.

Mitch Marner has been electric since joining the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is the Leafs most entertaining player, and on a lot nights there best player.  In Marner’s short time with the Leafs he has already shown the ability to carry a line. Tyler Bozak had his best statistical season playing with Marner, and Nazem Kadri was off to a really slow start last season until Marner was put on his line.

When thinking of the top players around the NHL, the first names that come to mind are centers. Franchise centers don’t grow on trees, which makes them highly coveted. Elite level wingers often get over looked and under-valued.

Marner’s first two season with the Toronto Maple Leafs have been outstanding. Now is the time to get a deal done. Waiting a year is a risk. If Marner has another huge season, the team is almost forced to pay him whatever he wants.

There are significant factors that could effect this negotiation.

Jack Eichel

Jason Botterill may have the biggest impact on Mitch Marner’s next contract. The 8 year deal, with an AAV of 10,000,000 that he gave Jack Eichel could be what Marner’s camp is seeking. Bridge deals seem to be a thing of the past. Teams are more willing to give long term deals with high AAV to their young stars. They are paying them for what they are going to do, rather than paying them for what they have done to that point.

After 3 seasons, Jack Eichel’s career high in points is 64. Not numbers that should result in that kind of salary. If Eichel starts to be the player everyone thought he was going to be, his contract could look like a bargain in a few years, if not it is a major issue.

Marner is already one of the best playmakers in the league, making everyone around him better. The first thing Marner’ agent should do is mention Eichel’s contract as a comparable. Marner’s point totals are better, and he has been the driving force on a playoff team. Something Eichel has yet to do.

Although you could justify signing Marner to that cap hit, that should scare Kyle Dubas. Trying to get a deal done more in line with what Nikolaj Ehlers just signed in Winnipeg would be a homerun.

Power Play

A major reason the Leafs have boasted one of the most lethal power plays in the league is because of Mitch Marner. Teams know exactly what the Leafs are trying to do. Get the puck to Marner on the half wall to set up the back door pass. Marner uses his shot just enough to keep teams honest, opening up the passing lanes.

After two seasons, 37 percent of Marner’s points have come on the power play. That puts him right in line with players such as Patrik Laine, Alex Ovechkin, and John Tavares. The power play a huge part of the game. Scoring 5v5 has become increasingly difficult across the NHL, making Marner such a valuable player to the Leafs.

Mitch Marner is by no means just a power play specialist. He creates chances seemingly every time he steps on the ice, regardless of the situation. It wouldn’t surprise me, however if the Leafs management tries using Marner’s high power play point volume against him in negotiations. This isn’t an argument that should take a lot of time. There just aren’t that many players that put up big 5v5 numbers. Most of the leagues top players pad their stats on the power play.

Darren Ferris

Not often in NHL circles could a players agent lead to contract issues. Darren Ferris represents a variety of players such as, Sam Bennet, Filip Zadina, Victor Mete, and Mitch Marner. The reason this could be an issue is that two of Ferris’ other clients, Josh Anderson of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Andreas Athanasio of the Red Wings recently had contract holdouts.

This shows an agent willing to play hardball, and wont fold until he gets the value he feels his player deserves. Both these players are no where near the level of Mitch Marner. Both are still trying to establish themselves in the league, Marner has already done that. This contract negotiation between Kyle Dubas and Darren Ferris has the makings of a potential dispute.

If at all possible the Leafs need to try an avoid what happened in Edmonton with Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers aloud Draisitl to enter the final year of entry level contract, that saw him have a great season, as well as an outstanding playoffs. The Oilers also made a mistake signing Connor Mcdavid first, which opened the door for Draisaitl’s representatives to get to a higher number. If Auston Mathews signs first at number speculated he will get, Ferris will want a AAV right on par with that considering their stats are so similar. That is a situation the Leafs have to avoid at all costs. Get the Marner contract done as soon as possible.

Conclusion 

Mitch Marner is an elite talent, that deserves a lucrative contract from the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has been a game changer since day one who is worth the price of admission. A fair deal for both sides feels like an 8 year term, ( bridge deal would be idiotic) with an AAV anywhere between 7,000,000-8,000,000. A deal like that could become a serious bargain after a couple years.

Next: Evaluating Every Player the Leafs Just Drafted

This is a very interesting time for the Toronto Maple Leafs. A first time GM, who people seem to constantly discredit at every step, is now tasked with three high profile contract situations. None will be easy, but will make for a very interesting offseason.