Now that Auston Matthews has signed an extension that will keep him in Toronto til the end of the 2027-28 season, the talk has now shifted to how his contract will affect the extensions of other Leafs - most notably, Mitch Marner.
Marner has two years left on his current deal and will be eligible to negotiate an extension as of July 1 next summer. Currently making $10.9M per season, some, including The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta earlier this summer, have predicted that Marner could be seeking $14M-$15M on his next deal with the rise in the salary cap. However, Jason Bukala of Sportsnet believes he should not cost more than $11.5M.
Considering the fact that Matthews' raise was roughly $1.6M per season more than his current deal, and the fact he is a center, has a Hart Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award and two Rocket Richard Trophies, Marner should not be commanding close to $14M. Bukala compares the recent contract of Tampa's Brayden Point to what Marner could and should be looking at getting on his next deal and after Bukala's rough tax calculations, because Florida is a tax-free State, Point would be making roughly $11M per season if he was in a Canadian market. That would put Marner in the range of $11M to $11.5M on his next contract if he wants to stay in Toronto long-term.
The Leafs would likely be happy getting Marner locked up for a raise that would equate to pennies on the dollar, but it is very likely that Marner will be searching for somewhere close to Matthews' $13.25M.
