Auston Matthews Will Be a Key Factor in Mitch Marner's Contract Negotiations, Per Reporter
Auston Matthews is expected to play a major role in determining Mitch Marner's next contract, and potentially his future as a Toronto Maple Leaf.
Mitch Marner is a free agent at the end of this season, and with the Leafs not having locked up their star winger to a new deal, speculation has been had about how much Marner may make.
Infamous Toronto Sun Maple Leafs columnist Steve Simmons shared his thoughts, urging Brad Treliving to be firm and keep Marner's price down.
There's a difference between a great player and an all-time great. And there should always be a difference there in both viewpoint and pay cheque.»
While Steve Simmons has a reputation as a source of criticism from Leafs players and fans alike, insider reports have backed up the idea that there does seem to be a clear market for what Marner can make.
Although that number does play in part to what Auston Matthews is currently making, $13.25M per season, it will likely be another player who could help decide Marner's dollar the most.
A recent report from TSN Hockey insider Pierre LeBrun said that Colorado Avalanche star winger Mikko Rantanen is looking to potentially make $14M and could command such as an open free agent.
Rantanen is likely to get more than the $12.6M contract currently afforded to fellow Avalanche star teammate Nathan MacKinnon, at the very least being a likely $13M player.
Rantanen and Marner, both first-round picks in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, have been fairly similar players statistically in their NHL career, and despite Rantanen's cup win with Colorado, the two players aren't far apart in their level, meaning one will likely impact the other depending on who is the first to sign.
If Marner is looking to best Matthews' at $13.25M, then a deal for Marner could start at $13.5M unless he decides to take a discount. If Marner takes this deal first, this could set up Rantanen to get to the $13.75-14M in negotiations.
If Rantanen gets his desired deal first, this could bring Marner beyond $14M. Colorado will need to move out at least one high-priced player like Ross Colton to afford this deal.
Adding a question over how Colorado solves it, whether it be from moving on from a player in the team, or even moving Rantanen for a player of equal value. There have even been potential packages laid out by analysts that even inquire about perhaps swapping Rantanen for Marner.
Both Matthews and Rantanen impact the potential future of Mitch Marner's next contract, making it look likely that at the very least $13.5M is the lowest magic number, something Toronto may see go up in price depending on what Rantanen signs for.
As firm as Brad Treliving can be, the market doesn't favor the odds they can get Marner for less than this amount unless he's willing to take a pay cut to help the team's cap space.
FAQ: Mitch Marner's Contract Dependent On Auston Matthews
Q1: Why does Auston Matthews matter when it comes to Marner's next deal?
A1: Auston Matthews matters when it comes to re-signing Mitch Marner because he currently makes $13.2M and Marner and his camp believe that he is at least worth that, and Toronto may be hesitant to offer him that much and pay him more than their captain.
Q2: Can Toronto afford to re-sign Mitch Marner
A2: It depends on if Toronto can swing a deal for some of their more bloated contracts and save money there, plus there's always the potential to let John Tavares walk as a free agent and use that money toward Marner.
In closing, the Maple Leafs will have a lot to discuss with Marner and his camp. Negotiations are going to be tough, and Marner deserves to be paid accordingly; perhaps a Stanley Cup Championship will be enough to persuade Marner to take a little discount to keep the winning ways alive.
