On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Michael Traikos of the National Post: A year ago you may move used William Nylander as a potential contract comparable for Mitch Marner, but this year Auston Matthews may be a better comparable. Entering Wednesday’s game, Marner was their leading scorer with 65 points.
Points per game the past two years: Matthews 0.88, Marner 0.82 and Nylander 0.73.
Nylander has played the majority of time on a line with Matthews. Marner has at times been Babcock’s doghouse and has seen some time on their fourth line.
Nylander is a restricted free agent following the season and Bruins David Pastrnak‘s six years, and $40 million would be a good comparable.
Matthews and Marner have a year left on their deals.
Matthews could be looking at an extension somewhere between Connor McDavid‘s eight-year, $100 million and Jack Eichel‘s eight-year, $80 million. If Marner keeps up his play, “there isn’t a reason why he shouldn’t be demanding the same.”
On the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes …
TSN Insider Trading: Pierre LeBrun: The Sedin’s are 38-years old but are second and third in team scoring in a reduced role. Canucks GM Jim Benning will meet with Henrik and Daniel in the next few days to really see where they are at. How long they will take to make their decision isn’t known and it could go on into the offseason. The Sedin’s would likely want to know what their role with the team would be as they go younger. They could retire if they don’t where their role could be headed.
Darren Dreger: The Carolina Hurricanes are in a holding pattern with regards to their GM search. An experienced GM or an assistant GM could pop into the mix where a fit didn’t work in-season but would after the season. There are some that think the owner would like Don Waddell to take over as president and GM, but it might not be the best option as he’s been focused on building the business side of the organization.