Marner and his camp believe he’s worth the same as Matthews
TSN: Bob Mckenzie on TSN 1050 said that Mitch Marner will be looking for Auston Matthews type money – $11.634 million per – on his next contract.
“In Mitch Marner’s heart and mind, and that of the people surrounded him – his family, his agent Darren Ferris – they absolutely, 100 per cent believe earnestly that Mitch Marner is worth every bit as much as Auston Matthews. They do,” McKenzie told TSN Radio 1050 Toronto.
Marner has asked plenty of questions after his agent’s comments yesterday
Lance Hornby: Mitch Marner on what he’s said to Dubas and his agent: “I’ve told both parties (GM Kyle Dubas and his agent) I don’t want to be informed until something’s about to happen. Until then, I’m just trying to focus on the season.”
Mike Zeisberger: Marner when asked if he’s felt disrespected in Toronto: “Things get said, words get spun … I love it here, I grew up here, I want to be a Leaf for a long time … As long as I’m here for the next training camp, that’s all that matters.”
Chris Johnston of Sportsnet: Marner hopes to be playing for the Leafs for many years but isn’t in a rush to get the extension done.
There’s no really no rush for anyone, I think the Leafs know that as well.
“A deal’s going to get done eventually, it’s nothing to rush upon.”
Agent Darren Ferris’ comments and back steps brought Marner’s wishes to keep things from being a distraction full circle.
Marner did clarify that he’s not against signing an extension during the season, but he doesn’t want to be a part of the back and forth until there is something for him to sign.
“I’m still just trying to focus on the season as much as possible,” said Marner. “I’ll let Kyle and my agent talk. I’ve kind of told both parties that I don’t really want to be informed until something’s about to happen. Until then, I kind of just want to focus on this team.”
Ferris says talks have been positive
Sportsnet: Darren Ferris on the Jeff Blair show said that he and Leafs GM Kyle Dubas haven’t really sat down to hash out a serious off. The sides are talking and things are looking up.
“I can tell you that everything’s been positive,” Ferris added. “The dialogue’s been positive, the discussions have been going in the right direction and Mitch will be a Leaf for a long time, I’m sure, and everything will work out.”
Rival execs and agents on what Marner’s deal could look like
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: Spoke with some rival executives and agents on what Mitch Marner’s next contract could look it.
One Western executive thinks a five-year deal around $10.5 million per.
One agent had a six- or seven-year deal at $9.5 million per. If he were Marner he’d be happy with a three-year deal at $8.5 million per.
Another agent said an eight-year deal would be over $10 million, a five-year deal would be hard to get in that range.
One executive doesn’t see a seven- or eight-year deal. His reps think he’s worth as much as Auston Matthews.
That executive also said the Maple Leafs will try to trade Nikita Zaitsev. A cheaper option will replace Jake Gardiner, and William Nylander could get traded after he gets his signing bonus.
On offer sheeting Marner.
“I think all this offer sheet talk is a smoke screen,’’ said one Eastern Conference team executive. “Who is lining up to pay him five years at $12-million (which Toronto could match) and losing four first rounders? Any bubble team has to be wary of those all being lottery picks and any elite team probably already has their own cap issues. To bully Toronto off the player they’d probably have to go way above market, too.’’
