One of the lingering suspicions I’ve had this season is that Mitch Marner was waiting for something to happen before inking a new deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, or anyone for that matter.
When the season began, I was surprised Marner hadn’t signed. After all, Auston Matthews quietly got a deal done with little fanfare. Matthews was up for an extension, worked behind the curtains, got a deal done, and it was announced. End of story.
But that wasn’t the case with Marner. Marner has dragged the entire contract issue throughout the season. My gut told me Marner was waiting for the new cap numbers before finalizing a deal. After all, if the Toronto Maple Leafs were a little wary of committing big money to Marner before knowing the real cap numbers, knowing how much they had to spend would expedite the process.
However, that didn’t seem to move the needle. It was as if Marner and his representatives were waiting for something else to use as leverage to cash in. That something was the 4 Nations Face-Off. Marner got off on the right foot scoring the overtime winner against Sweden.
Then, Marner sunk in the next two games only to reemerge in the Final to lead Canada para the United States. Setting up Connor McDavid's overtime tournament winner proved Mitch Marner was money in the bank.
I’m afraid, though, that won’t be enough to sell teams into paying Marner Leon Draisaitl or Auston Matthews-type money. Marner will need a strong postseason to cash in.
Mitch Marner Must Prove He’s a True Playoff Performer
It was nice to get the 4 Nations Face-Off title. Given the political chatter behind the scenes, it was a welcome moment to rub the title in the United States’ face. Although, I must admit I was disappointed to see Matthews lose the Final.
But where things really matter is the NHL. Specifically, what truly counts is the Stanley Cup. If the Toronto Maple Leafs cannot make a deep postseason run, with Mitch Marner leading the way, he can kiss a huge payday goodbye.
Frankly, the only team that’s willing to pay Marner what he wants is Toronto. They are willing to do whatever it takes to keep him. So, now is the time for Marner to sign a new deal. He’s got the 4 Nations hype behind him. If he doesn’t live up to expectations in the postseason this year, Marner will lose all his leverage.
I know that’s a tough pill to swallow, but that’s the business of sports. The Toronto Maple Leafs are Auston Matthews’ team. There’s no question about that. As such, it behooves Mitch Marner to put up the performance of his life or risk losing millions of dollars in the process.
I will say this, though: If Marner ends up with a Conn Smythe, or the Leafs win the Stanley Cup, when everything is said and done this season, teams will be lining up to make him the NHL’s highest-paid player.