The contract negotiations between Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs have been quiet. Not much has been reported on the situation so I'm unsure if they're close or far apart on a deal.
Although Marner has been fantastic this year, the Toronto Maple Leafs should let him leave in free agency and replace him.
There is a very capable player who is set to hit free agency that the Leafs seriously need to consider taking a run at.
Mikko Rantanen was just traded to the Carolina Hurricanes but is set to be a free agent at the end of the year. Replacing Marner with Rantanen would instantly make this team better.
Rantanen is the Perfect Marner Replacement
Rantanen was just dealt in a deal where Colorado got fleeced. Rantanen is a 50-goal scorer in the NHL, scoring 42 last season and through 53 games this year, he has 26 goals and 40 assists for a total of 66 points.
He also has tons of playoff experience and is a cup winner. Rantanen has been spectacular in the playoffs too, posting 34 goals and 67 assists for 101 total points through 81 career playoff games (Stats from NHL.com).
Bringing in Rantanen provides the roster with a player who excels at the hardest and most valuable part of the sport. He can score.
Marner has been sensational this year, there's no denying that. If I had to pick an MVP for the Leafs so far this season, Marner would be my pick.
Mitch has put up 16 goals and 54 assists for 70 points through 52 games (stats from NHL.com). We're going to see him hit the 100-point mark for the first time in his career, his defensive play has still been outstanding and, to me, he looks like he is playing with more aggression.
I hope and pray that Marner can replicate this play in the playoffs because he is an unbelievable player. The problem with Mitch is the playoffs, where the Leafs have not been successful.
If the Marner we're seeing this regular season translates to the playoffs, then I'd be happy paying him to stay. If we see the best of Marner, this team is going to make a run. He also isn't the only one who needs to improve his play in the playoffs, but he is a big expiring deal this offseason.
Rantanen is only a year older than Mitch, so you're not committing to a much older guy long-term. He is a playoff performer, cup winner and elite goal scorer whose contract looks like it will be comparable to Marner's.
Cut ties with Marner and take a run at Rantanen.