Trusted NHL Insider reveals something potentially concerning about Mitch Marner ahead of the 2024-25 season.
With a tough decision looming regarding Mitch Marner and John Tavares' futures in Toronto, a trusted NHL insider gives us an inside scoop on where things stand as of today.
It's no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs are entering the 2024-25 season under a lot of pressure.
The Core 4 is entering their 7th season together and another first round exit would be disastrous, but more importantly, they are playing with fire with both Marner and Tavares entering the year on expiring contracts.
On the outside looking in, you might be worried, considering the New York Islanders did the exact same thing with Tavares before he walked and joined the Maple Leafs in the summer of 2018.
However, when you dig a little deeper, there's certainly runway for both players to get extensions. The one concern that is coming to the forefront is that Marner's asking price could effectively price him out of Toronto.
TSN's Chris Johnston joined TSN 1050's First Up this morning to discuss all things Toronto and was asked who was more likely to sign a contract extension between the two players. Johnston knew it was a loaded question, but gave an astute response that could have major implications heading into the season opener and beyond.
Feeling as though there was probably a path [after the passing of the torch to Auston Matthews] for Tavares to extend the runway in Toronto. Clearly, to me, he was the star of the show and showed such grace in doing so.
There's no way that [passing the C to Matthews] was his idea, but he obviously handled it well and so it just seems to me that he's highly motivated to stay in Toronto. Obviously his next contract is going to come at a cap hit that's reduced from where he's at today. So sitting here this morning, I'll say he's more likely to stay."
Tavares' actions this summer are being held in high regard and with him handing off the captaincy to Auston Matthews, all signs are pointing towards a contract extension at a much lower cap hit to keep him around for the long-run.
The same can't be said for Marner and a big part of that is because he will be commanding a salary that is higher than William Nylander's and closer to Matthews'.
Can the Maple Leafs afford it? Yes, but is paying the same core more money when they couldn't succeed in the playoffs making less a worthwhile endeavor?
No one is questioning Marner's skill-level or importance to Maple Leafs' offensive game, however, when you're comparing the two players side by side and what they're expected deals are going to look like, Tavares will be way more palatable at, say, 3 years and $6M per season than Marner would be at 8 years and $13M per season.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 21 | 1769 ANSWERS Trusted NHL Insider reveals something potentially concerning about Mitch Marner ahead of the 2024-25 season. If you could only choose one, which player would you bring back in 2025-26? | ||
| Mitch Marner | 1353 | 76.5 % |
| John Tavares | 416 | 23.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
