The Toronto Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner Need to Come Together on an Extension
The noise around the Leafs recently shifted to the possibility of the star winger signing an extension. Concessions from the team and the player can produce a satisfying solution for everyone.
Upon the conclusion of the Toronto Maple Leafs most recent playoff disappointment, the focus immediately shifted to the status of star winger Mitch Marner.
The prevailing thought is that the Toronto Maple Leafs must shake up their roster by moving out a core piece. In the eyes of many, sending Marner elsewhere makes the most sense.
Auston Matthews and William Nylander already signed long-term extensions with the team and Marner is up for a new contract next year .
The biggest hurdle to the Leafs trading Marner is his no-movement clause (besides the fact that no team has ever won a similar trade). He also stated he has no desire to leave Toronto. It's left Leafs general manager Brad Treliving in a delicate spot.
Complications Could Convince Leafs That a Marner Extension is the Best Option
It shouldn't be surprising that a recent report suggests Treliving would rather extend than trade Marner.
Looking into the prospect of an extension with Marner is a wise move by Treliving. He wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't explore the possibility.
Marner's no-movement clause complicates matters. He would need to okay any transaction. It's a sensitive matter should Treliving probe the trade market and not find a deal to his or Marner's liking. Taking offers but ultimately finding nothing, then having Marner return, would be awkward for everyone.
Marner having to approve any move severely limits Treliving's options. If Marner only has a few select teams (or none) that he would consider, the Leafs won't get close to fair value for a player of his caliber.
With free agency looming next summer, teams will be more reluctant to give up an abundance of assets for potentially only one year of Marner's services.
Putting those factors together, Treliving and the Leafs might decide that extending Marner is the best choice.
Here's What an Amicable Extension Looks Like for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner
If Marner's stated wish to remain with the Maple Leafs is accurate, he should demonstrate flexibility in his contract discussions.
Marner finds the spotlight of Toronto and the scrutiny around the Leafs exhausting at times, but he understands it comes with the territory. He also recognizes the pedestal players in this market are put on.
His charitable foundation is well-established within the city. Staying with his hometown team would allow him easier access to manage it.
Off-ice pursuits like his foundation and endorsement opportunities can make up for the loss in salary from signing an extension with the Leafs now compared to hitting the open market next summer.
From a Leafs perspective, The best time to negotiate a long-term deal for Marner is now. Treliving can use the angst from Leafs fans and an unproductive postseason as bargaining tactics.
Marner is also coming off an injury and played fewer games than usual last season.
Getting a team-friendly deal is more probable now compared to next summer. Marner will get a huge offer from someone should he reach free agency, even if he gets injured or has a subpar year. The competition for his services will be fierce. A new contract with the Leafs will become more difficult, especially if Marner has an above-average season.
If Marner is set on staying with the Leafs, he should be open to a three to five-year deal. That would allow him one more opportunity for a large free-agent contract later in his career.
The Leafs could offer him a deal with the same AAV as Nylander's. The underlying message states an equal pecking order behind Matthews. That would eliminate any potential discord brought on by any discrepancy in salary.
For those thinking that is too high, consider Marner's two-way play and his importance to Matthews. Plus, the NHL salary cap will continue rising, decreasing the percentage hit as years go by. The Leafs will also gain more cap space next summer when John Tavares' contract comes off the books.
The Leafs would still have the financial flexibility to build the roster around Matthews, Nylander, and Marner. Approximately $36 million for three, star players is not unreasonable.
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A continued relationship between Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs is easily attained. Each side's actions will prove how much they want it.