The Toronto Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner are in no rush to finalize a contract extension, regardless of each side being open to a long-term deal. Insider Darren Dreger reported Monday on “First Up” that there’s a “good urge for food” from each events to barter an extension, although discussions are usually not but in full swing.
Marner, 26, is getting into the ultimate 12 months of his six-year contract, which carries a $10.9 million cap hit. As one of many NHL’s high playmakers and a key penalty-killer for the membership, Marner is probably going due for a increase. Whether or not he re-signs with Toronto (which he’d love to do) or explores choices with different groups (which he may be pressured to do), somebody goes to pay him nicely, argues Dreger.
The Maple Leafs, underneath new GM Brad Treliving, are serious about securing Marner for the long run, however they’re taking a affected person method. Marner appears to be high quality with that, figuring out this offseason with Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon. He’s set to show he’s value each penny he’ll ask for.
Each Marner’s agent, Darren Ferris, and Treliving have stored the traces of communication open, however neither facet feels pressured to do that proper now. Dreger advised talks might ramp up later within the season. In the meantime, Marner continues to have conversations with new head coach Craig Berube, who desires an opportunity to teach the star winger and see what he can’t get out of him through the common season and in a playoff run.
The Maple Leafs Will Have Room to Re-Signal Marner
One issue working within the Leafs’ favor is the truth that John Tavares’ $11 million cap hit will come off the books after this season. Ought to the Leafs save practically half of the cash that they’re at present paying Tavares, it might present the crew with invaluable cap area to accommodate a brand new deal for Marner, no matter that appears like.
Subsequent: Oilers, Leafs, and Flames Amongst Groups All for Mark Giordano
