What lies ahead for Toronto Maple Leafs' standout forward Mitch Marner as he inches closer to unrestricted free agency?
As Marner skates through the final stretch of his current contract, carrying a hefty $10.9 million cap hit, the anticipation for his next move grows. He's eyeing what might be his best season yet, setting his sights on a career-high point total in 2024-25.
Expert Frank Seravalli from The Daily Faceoff suggests that Marner could be looking at a deal fetching as much as $14 million annually in his next contract.
Marner isn't just any free agent; he's the crown jewel of the upcoming free agency market. AFP Analytics has even tipped their hat, projecting a potential deal worth $100.6 million over eight years, which breaks down to $12.6 million per year. Those numbers could climb even higher when AFP releases their end-of-season forecasts in mid-May.
With the salary cap rising steadily and the scarcity of elite players like Marner, it's no stretch to imagine offers nudging toward that $14 million mark if he explores free agency.
Remarkably, Marner is poised to hit the coveted 100-point landmark for the first time in his career. That's the kind of stat that turns heads and opens wallets.
Meanwhile, around the trade deadline frenzy about a month ago on March 7, the Dallas Stars shook up the league by bringing in Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes, parting with Logan Stankhoven and a slew of draft picks to seal the deal.
Rumors swirled that the Maple Leafs were also gunning for Rantanen. They reportedly approached Marner, asking him to consider waiving his no-trade clause for a possible swap to Carolina. Marner stood firm; his loyalty remained with Toronto.
In the aftermath of the trade deadline whirlwind, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving was full of praise for Marner, underscoring the winger's significant role in the team's success. "Mitch has had a terrific year and he’s vital to our lineup," Treliving noted. "He's a cornerstone in our push for success over the marathon of the next 14 games and beyond."
As the offseason looms, the possibility that the Leafs once asked Marner to waive his no-trade clause could influence how negotiations unfold going forward. Whatever decision Marner makes will be monumental, both for his career and the Maple Leafs franchise.
